Very Concerned---about glycerin in pharmacy

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JB Goode

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Oct 15, 2010
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In different places here on the board I've been reading about adding VG to a high PG content to make it less harsh so as recommended here, I went to the pharmacy( CVS) to get the glycerin. When I asked about the vegetable glycerin, they said that they weren't familiar with the term VEGETABLE GLYCERIN. They did sell bottles that were labeled GLYCERIN USP. So my question is, is this the same glycerin that people are referring to when they say "go to the pharmacy and get some glycerin" even though it doesn't have the word VEGETABLE on the bottle?
I did buy it but I'm nervous about using it until I know if it's the right item.
On the bottle it said SKIN PROTECTANT.
Thanks very much. I appreciate whatever you say.
 

sonicdsl

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In different places here on the board I've been reading about adding VG to a high PG content to make it less harsh so as recommended here, I went to the pharmacy( CVS) to get the glycerin. When I asked about the vegetable glycerin, they said that they weren't familiar with the term VEGETABLE GLYCERIN. They did sell bottles that were labeled GLYCERIN USP. So my question is, is this the same glycerin that people are referring to when they say "go to the pharmacy and get some glycerin" even though it doesn't have the word VEGETABLE on the bottle?
I did buy it but I'm nervous about using it until I know if it's the right item.
On the bottle it said SKIN PROTECTANT.
Thanks very much. I appreciate whatever you say.

Yep, that's the same one. I have some as well from CVS. USP means it's pharmaceutical grade. :)
 

Spazmelda

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Is it Humco glycerin USP? If so, that should be fine. USP stands for US Pharmacopeia, and that means the chemical must meet the guidelines stipulated in the USP monograph for that chemical (the monograph details how pure the chemical has to be, and states detailed limits for amounts of particular impurities).
 

Steamix

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Glycerin is glycerin ... as long as it's USP or any other pharmagrade you're good .

Vegetable glycerin just refers to the fact that it's derived from plant material instead of mineral sources ( glycerin can also be extracted from crude oil, for instance ) . Commonly, VG contains 14 to 16 % water, whereas minerally derived glycerine is almost free of water and needs to diluted with water to make it wickable...
 

Spazmelda

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Glycerin is glycerin ... as long as it's USP or any other pharmagrade you're good .

Vegetable glycerin just refers to the fact that it's derived from plant material instead of mineral sources ( glycerin can also be extracted from crude oil, for instance ) . Commonly, VG contains 14 to 16 % water, whereas minerally derived glycerine is almost free of water and needs to diluted with water to make it wickable...

Interesting!
 

patkin

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I had the same concern when I started. If you're super concerned, you can also buy Vegetable glycerin from flavoring houses like Loranns and Capella. I had some of that in the fridge I used in baking and it works and tastes the same as my USP Glycerin from Walmart. As for labeling, I doubt we'll ever see one of the uses listed as being for vaping.... just cosmetic, skin, etc. I'll never forget the look I got from the Walmart pharmacy employee when I asked where it was... won't go into the "discussion" that ensued but I was clearly dealing with an ANTZ.
 

JB Goode

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Oct 15, 2010
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Bronx, NY
I had the same concern when I started. If you're super concerned, you can also buy Vegetable glycerin from flavoring houses like Loranns and Capella. I had some of that in the fridge I used in baking and it works and tastes the same as my USP Glycerin from Walmart. As for labeling, I doubt we'll ever see one of the uses listed as being for vaping.... just cosmetic, skin, etc. I'll never forget the look I got from the Walmart pharmacy employee when I asked where it was... won't go into the "discussion" that ensued but I was clearly dealing with an ANTZ.
I've got a good idea about that "discussion" and what section the person said it was in. I too won't get into the "discussion" that ensued. After all, this board is just about E- Cigs only
 
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