As a subject matter expert in the field of chemistry and natural products, I've spent considerable time studying the properties and interactions of various substances, including glycerin and oils. Glycerin, scientifically known as glycerol, is a simple polyol compound. It is a colorless, odorless, viscous liquid that is widely used in the pharmaceutical, food, and personal care industries due to its hygroscopic nature and its ability to act as a humectant.

When discussing the compatibility of glycerin with oils, it's important to understand that oils are generally hydrophobic, meaning they do not mix well with water. The statement that glycerin does not mix with water is incorrect; in fact, glycerin is highly soluble in water. It is one of the properties that make glycerin a versatile ingredient in formulations where water is present.

However, when it comes to mixing glycerin with oils, we are looking at a different scenario. Oils, being non-polar, do not readily dissolve in glycerin, which is more polar due to its hydroxyl groups. This difference in polarity is a fundamental concept in chemistry known as "like dissolves like," where substances with similar polarity tend to mix well with each other.

To mix glycerin with oils, one would typically need to use an emulsifier. An emulsifier is a substance that helps two immiscible liquids, such as oil and water (or in this case, glycerin), to mix by reducing the surface tension between them. Common natural emulsifiers include lecithin, plant waxes, and certain proteins. These emulsifiers can help to create a stable emulsion, where the oil is dispersed in the glycerin in the form of small droplets.

In the context of essential oils, which are often used for their aromatic and therapeutic properties, glycerin can indeed be used to solubilize them, making them miscible with water. This is particularly useful in creating products like lotions, creams, and other topical applications where both water and oil components are desired.

It's also worth noting that the process of creating an emulsion involves more than just adding an emulsifier. It requires careful consideration of the ratios of the components, the method of mixing, and sometimes the addition of other ingredients to stabilize the emulsion and prevent separation over time.

In summary, while glycerin and oils do not naturally mix due to their differing polarities, the use of an emulsifier can facilitate their combination in a stable emulsion. This is a common practice in the formulation of various products within the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.

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it will not mix with water. There are many chemicals which can solubilize essential oils so they become miscible with water but only a few are on the natural side. One is glycerine, a non-fermented alcohol which is very skin friendly, inexpensive and easy to obtain.Mar 21, 2014read more >>