Glossary
A botanical extract made using vegetable glycerin as the solvent instead of alcohol. Glycerites are gentler than traditional alcohol-based tinctures, making them suitable for sensitive skin applications, children's products, and formulations where alcohol would be drying or irritating.
Glycerin (glycerol) is a natural solvent that extracts water-soluble and some moderately polar compounds from plant material. While not as efficient as ethanol for extracting the full range of phytochemicals, glycerin excels at extracting flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and certain alkaloids, providing a broad-spectrum botanical extract.
To make a glycerite: combine dried herb with a 60:40 glycerin-to-water mixture. Seal in a glass jar and allow to macerate for 4-6 weeks, shaking daily. Strain through cheesecloth and bottle. The resulting glycerite has a sweet taste, gentle skin-feel, and provides both the botanical's active compounds and glycerin's humectant benefits.
The primary advantage of glycerites is gentleness. Alcohol-based tinctures can sting, dry, and irritate sensitive or damaged skin. Glycerites provide botanical benefits in a soothing, moisturizing vehicle. Glycerin's humectant properties add hydration rather than stripping it.
Glycerites are also suitable for formulating products for children and for oral use (herbal supplements) where alcohol is undesirable. They have a naturally sweet flavor that makes oral glycerites more palatable than bitter alcohol tinctures.
Generally no. Alcohol extracts a broader range of compounds more efficiently than glycerin. Glycerites are typically 60-70 percent as potent as an equivalent alcohol tincture. However, for skincare use, the gentler extraction profile and moisturizing vehicle often make glycerites preferable.
Properly made glycerites (using at least 60 percent glycerin concentration) can last 1-2 years stored in a cool, dark location. The high glycerin content acts as a natural preservative. Lower glycerin concentrations may have shorter shelf lives.
Yes. Propolis dissolves in glycerin, though more slowly than in alcohol. A propolis glycerite takes 6-8 weeks of maceration versus 2-4 weeks for an alcohol tincture. The resulting product is gentler and less drying than alcohol-based propolis tincture, making it suitable for oral use and sensitive skin.
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