Glycerin is a simple polyol compound. It is a colorless, odorless, viscous liquid that is widely used in pharmaceutical formulations. Glycerol has three hydrophilic hydroxyl groups that are responsible for its solubility in water and its hygroscopic nature. The glycerol backbone is central to all lipids known as triglycerides. Glycerol is sweet-tasting and of low toxicity. Glycerin is a 3 carbon polyol. It is an inevitable constituent of all animal and vegetable oils and fats. It is a product with many applications in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. It is also a chemical intermediary in adhesives, tensio-actives and explosives. It is extracted chemically from castor oil before cracking. Glycerin is also a by-product in soap and oleochemical production, using natural fats and oils as raw materials or as a by-product in biodiesel production, during transesterification of vegetable oils into methyl esters. It is a clear, water-white, viscous, sweet tasting hygroscopic liquid. Crude glycerine is an essential by-product obtained from the manufacture of soaps, fatty acids, fatty alcohols and fatty acids methyl esters. After refining, glycerine will be used in many applications which cover pharmaceutical, cosmetics/toiletries, resins, cellulose films, paper, polyols, tobacco, food and drink, esters, nitration and other chemical uses and applications. Glycerin is an important raw material used in the manufacture of synthetic resins, namely alkyd resins and explosives. It is also used in the manufacture of lubricants, drugs, plasticizers, etc. In foods and beverages, glycerol serves as a humectant, solvent and sweetener, and may help preserve foods. It is also used as filler in commercially prepared low-fat foods and as a thickening agent in liqueurs. Glycerol is also used to manufacture mono- and di-glycerides for use as emulsifiers, as well as polyglycerol esters going into shortenings and margarine. The market for glycerine in domestic and international market is good. Some of the highest quality glycerin produced in the world is supplied by Malaysia and Indonesia. Glycerine competes in the market with other products such as sorbitol, glycols and many polyols from petrochemical feedstocks. If glycerine prices drop dramatically, also these products will be confronted with the unfair competitive situation created by the reduction in excise duties. Price of glycerin has increased in recent times,largely due to increase in vegetable oil prices. The forecast growth for glcerine is around 2.2% per year, driven mainly by personal care and food products. Good solubility, taste and lower pricing give glycerin an edge on sorbitol in toothpastes and mouth washes. Glycerin is used in food products either directly or as one of its derivatives, such as glycerol mono-stearate. The demand for glycerin in the food sector is growing as a result of the continuing trend toward lowering the fat content in foods. There is a very good scope for this product and new entrepreneurs should venture into this field.