Glycerin, also known as glycerol, is a colorless, odorless, and sweet-tasting sugar alcohol that is commonly used as a food additive to provide moisture. It is a type of alcohol that can be derived from natural sources such as animal fats or vegetable oils through a process called hydrolysis. During this process, fats and oils are broken down into their components fatty acids and glycerol through the action of water and heat. The resulting glycerin is used in various food products for its ability to retain moisture, improve texture, and enhance the sweetness of certain foods. It is more commonly found as an ingredient in cosmetics. When glycerin is derived from vegetable oil, it is usually labeled as vegetable glycerin to provide clarity for those avoiding animal sources.