✓ Safety Verdict: Completely Safe
E422 (Glycerol/Glycerin) is completely safe and natural. Your body produces glycerol when digesting fats, and it's used extensively in medicine, cosmetics, and food. No health concerns at any consumption level.
What is E422?
E422 is glycerol (also called glycerin), a natural compound that's a byproduct of fat metabolism.
How it's made:
- Produced during fat digestion (your body makes it naturally)
- Commercial glycerol extracted from vegetable oils or animal fats
- Also produced synthetically from propylene
Why it's used:
- Humectant – retains moisture in foods
- Sweetener – 60% as sweet as sugar, fewer calories
- Texture enhancer – creates smooth, soft texture
- Solvent – dissolves flavours and colours
Where is E422 Found?
Baked Goods:
- Cakes and cupcakes (keeps moist)
- Icing and fondant (prevents hardening)
- Cookies and biscuits
Sweets & Confectionery:
- Marshmallows
- Chewing gum
- Soft candies
Other Foods:
- Liqueurs and alcoholic drinks
- Low-fat foods (texture replacement for fat)
- Dried fruits (keeps soft)
Non-Food Uses:
- Cough syrups and medicines
- Toothpaste
- Skincare and cosmetics (moisturizer)
- E-cigarettes (vaping liquid base)
Is E422 Safe?
Yes, glycerol is completely safe.
✅ Safety Profile:
- Your body produces it – natural metabolite of fat digestion
- Metabolized normally – used for energy or converted to glucose
- Used in medicine – IV glycerol given to reduce brain pressure
- No toxic effects at any reasonable intake
- No allergies, no cancer risk
Side Effects (Only at Very High Doses):
Consuming massive amounts (50+ grams) may cause:
- Headache
- Thirst (mild dehydration)
- Nausea
Context: Food contains tiny amounts. You'd need to eat kilograms of cake to reach these levels.
Health Benefits
1. Sports Performance
- Athletes use glycerol for "hyperhydration" before endurance events
- Helps retain water in the body
- May improve performance in hot conditions
2. Medical Uses
- Laxative – glycerin suppositories relieve constipation
- Brain pressure reduction – IV glycerol treats cerebral edema
- Glaucoma – reduces eye pressure
Regulatory Status
UK/EU: Approved with no ADI limit (completely safe)
US: FDA "Generally Recognized As Safe" (GRAS)
The Bottom Line
- ✅ Completely safe – your body produces it naturally
- ✅ Used in medicine – IV glycerol, suppositories
- ✅ No health concerns
- ✅ Keeps cakes moist, icing soft
- ✅ Natural compound from fat metabolism
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Last updated: February 2026