Ozonized Glycerin: Benefits, Uses, and Safety Explained

At a glance:

1. Ozonated glycerin is created by infusing pure glycerin with ozone gas. Some ozone and oxygen gas dissolve in the glycerin and release over time. It may also contain several oxidized byproducts of glycerol, such as peroxides, aldehydes, ketones, and organic acids. Its half-life is estimated at about 90 days after ozonation, based on iodometric titration; independent validation is still pending.
2. Glycerin is water-soluble, can penetrate tissues, is edible, and may have numerous medical uses. Glycerin crosses the skin barrier, and ozonated glycerin is presumed to do the same. Its use is primarily based on clinical experience; published studies are limited.
3. Ozonated glycerin is used as a nasal spray, taken by mouth, nebulized, applied to the skin, or used as a mouthwash.
4. Published studies suggest that it has antiviral, antibacterial, regenerative, and melanin-bleaching effects. 
5. Practitioners recommend starting with a low dilution and increasing gradually. A dilution guide is below.

Note from the author:
Interest in ozonized glycerin is growing, yet research on this topic remains limited. At Mediskill, our mission is to provide the most comprehensive, research-backed information available on ozone therapy. We prioritize published studies over anecdotal reports or personal experiences so that we can verify the accuracy of the information.  

Ozonized glycerin is newer than ozone gas or ozonated oil, so formal research is still catching up.

Ozonized glycerin is not FDA approved. Talk with a qualified practitioner before using it, especially if you have a medical condition. The contents of this article are for educational purposes only.

What Is Ozonized Glycerin and Why Does It Matter?

Just as ozone water and oil are created by infusing ozone through respective liquids, ozonated glycerin is created by bubbling ozone gas through pure glycerin. Some ozone and oxygen gases dissolve in the glycerin, while the rest oxidizes the glycerin. Currently, we don’t know how stable ozone is when dissolved in glycerin.

This produces byproducts of glycerol like peroxides, aldehydes, ketones, and acids [1]. However, this fluid maintains many similar properties to glycerin, such as water solubility.

Glycerin, also called glycerol or glycerine, serves as the foundation of most edible fats or triglycerides. Processes that split off the fatty acids from glycerol, such as fat digestion or soap making, release glycerin. 

Since it's a polar molecule, glycerin is a water-soluble and versatile humectant, a substance that draws water. When applied to the skin, it either draws water from the skin's deeper layers or the air, making it a beneficial component of skincare products. 

Many medical products incorporate glycerin as a lubricant, thickener, or tissue penetrants into ointments, expectorants, and even for eye applications. Therefore, glycerin may be an ideal base for stabilizing and delivering ozonated byproducts due to its chemical properties and tissue compatibility.

Glycerin is one of the few water-soluble substances that readily cross the skin barriers and penetrate cell membranes, potentially entering human cells and mitochondria. Ozonated glycerin is presumed to retain these penetrative properties, allowing it to deliver ozone's benefits deeper than ozone oil or water. This has led to a growing interest in its potential therapeutic uses in medicine and cosmetics. 

Ozone is an unstable molecule in gas or water form. However, when infused with fluids such as oil or glycerin, some ozone may dissolve in the glycerin, while the rest reacts to form stabilized byproducts that can be stored, transported, or applied topically, without the risk of inhalation. In addition, the soothing effects of glycerin may mitigate some of the potential irritation from direct ozonated byproducts.

Formal research on ozonated glycerin is still early, but practitioners and early adopters already use it for skincare, oral care, wound care and respiratory support.

This article covers its properties, how it is used, how much to use, and what the research shows so far.

Biochemical Properties of Ozonized Glycerin

Here is what we know from published research and from colleagues in the ozone therapy field.

• Estimated 90-day half-life at room temperature (vs. 20–40 minutes for ozone water, and 18–24 months for ozone oil), based on a method called potassium iodide titration to measure its oxidative power.  Refrigeration extends it. Independent validation is underway.

• Water-soluble
• Most of it is unreacted glycerin, so it retains many properties of glycerin. The rest is a mix of oxidized products of glycerol, such as peroxides, aldehydes (like glyceraldehyde), ketones (like dihydroxyacetone) and organic acids [1]. Researchers at one OG maker report that most of its oxidizing power comes from a small amount of a trioxepane derivative, an endoperoxide formed when ozone reacts with glycerin [2].
• Antiviral on contact in a lab study [3]  
• Promotes wound healing [2]

How Is Ozonized Glycerin Used?

Because ozonated glycerin is water-soluble, it can be mixed with saline, water or lotion and used in more ways than ozonated oil. Here are the most common ways it is used.

Nasal Spray

A nasal spray is used to support the sinuses and nasal passages. Its antimicrobial properties reach the upper respiratory tract directly [3]. In reader reports collected by Dr. Robert Rowen, one person described nebulizing it for a chronic sinus issue [8].

Taking It by Mouth

Food-grade glycerin is edible, sweet-tasting, and legally classified as a food ingredient. Ozonated glycerin is taken by mouth to support oral and gut health. Dr. Rowen reports taking 1 teaspoon every day [8].

Too much at once can draw water into the gut and cause loose stools. If that happens, take less.

Nebulizer

Nebulizing turns diluted ozonated glycerin into a fine mist you breathe in, to support the lungs and airways. Dr. Rowen has published case reports of people nebulizing it daily at 5% to 10%, and his clinic’s guidelines start at 1% to 2.5% and allow up to 5 mL twice a day [8]. Nebulizing ozonated glycerin itself has not been studied yet. The one trial often mentioned [5] put ozone gas through a nebulizer in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, which is a different method. Never breathe ozone gas at home.

Topical (Skin)

Clinicians apply ozonated glycerin topically onto the skin to potentially promote wound healing, manage skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, and reduce bacterial or fungal infections. It may release oxidative molecules that disinfect wounds and rebalance immune responses in the immediate areas. 

Many ozonated byproducts of glycerin are similar to common skincare ingredients, such as dihydroxyacetone and glyceric acid [1]. Many of these byproducts are small, water-soluble molecules that may cross the skin barrier more easily than oils, which may make ozonated glycerin a good way to carry ozonated byproducts into the deeper layers of the skin. 

A 2022 controlled study found that ozonized glycerin lightened age spots with no adverse events reported [2]. Patch test a small area first, and dilute if your skin gets irritated.

Mouthwash and Gum Care

As a mouthwash, ozonated glycerin is used to support oral health. Because it is water-soluble, it rinses clean without the oily film of ozonated oil.

Eye Drops

Ozone-based eye drops have been tested for conjunctivitis and other eye surface problems, but the published case series used ozonated oil in liposomes, not ozonated glycerin [4]. Some practitioners use very dilute ozonated glycerin eye drops; this has not been studied.

The eyes are sensitive, so eye use should be guided by a qualified practitioner.

Typical strengths at a glance:

• Nasal spray: 10% in saline (5% if you're sensitive). Never use tap water in your nose.
• Nebulizer: start at 2.5% in distilled water (1% if sensitive), about 5 mL once or twice a day. Never nebulize it undiluted.
• By mouth: start with ½ teaspoon a day in water and work up to 1 tablespoon.
• Skin: 2.5–10% in your lotion or other products; full strength after a small spot test.
• Mouthwash: 10% in water.

Health Benefits of Ozonated Glycerin

Ozonated glycerin is a versatile tool in ozone therapy. Its use is primarily based on clinical experience; published studies are limited. The sections below cover what has been studied and reported.

Ozonated glycerin keeps its oxidizing power far longer than ozonated water does [2, 3].

Advantages Over Other Ozone Modalities

Unlike ozonated water or gas, which break down, the industry speculates that ozonated glycerin exhibits a slow-release effect due to its extended half-life of up to 90 days. This characteristic allows for:

• Sustained therapeutic effects over time.
• Greater accessibility for patients with logistical or financial constraints.

Skin Issues and Cosmetic Use

For a fuller look at skin care, see ozonated glycerin for skin and cosmetic use.

A dual in vitro and clinical study, run by researchers at the company that makes the OG ingredient, evaluated ozonized glycerin (OG)-based cosmetic products in lightening age spots on human facial skin [2]. Age spots, caused by prolonged ultraviolet (UV) exposure and aging, are challenging to treat once formed. OG, known for its oxidative properties, was tested for its potential to directly degrade melanin and promote skin health.

In a cell-based experiment, synthetic melanin was incubated with OG formulations (80 ppm and 800 ppm). Melanin degradation was monitored at six hours, 24 hours, and up to four weeks.

For the clinical component, a controlled study enrolled 48 female participants aged 40–60 years. OG formulations (80 ppm and 800 ppm) were applied to facial age spots twice daily for eight weeks. Melanin content was measured using a Mexameter at baseline, four weeks, and eight weeks.

1. Cell-based findings:
   
   • OG caused significant melanin degradation in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
   • The higher concentration (800 ppm) reduced melanin content by ~40% within two weeks, matching the efficacy of hydrogen peroxide.
2. Clinical Findings:
   
   • Both OG concentrations significantly reduced melanin index compared to controls, with reductions of −16.7 and −15.2 (80 ppm and 800 ppm, respectively) at eight weeks.
   • Improvements were most pronounced after eight weeks.
   • No adverse events were observed, suggesting that OG is likely safe for topical use at 80 and 800 PPM.

Ozonized glycerin offers a non-invasive approach to managing age spots through its oxidative and skin turnover-enhancing properties. While the 800-ppm formulation demonstrated slightly higher efficacy in vitro, both concentrations were equally effective clinically, suggesting that lower concentrations may suffice for practical applications. Sticking to low doses also reduces the risk of excessive oxidative stress.

Antivirus

A lab study investigated the ability of ozonated glycerol to inactivate SARS-CoV-2, the lipid-enveloped virus that causes COVID-19, in test tubes. It focused on its effectiveness across varying ozone concentrations and exposure times, and in the presence of interfering organic substances like fetal bovine serum (FBS) [3]. 

The goal was to assess OG's potential as a safer alternative for hand and surface disinfection compared to conventional methods.

Glycerol was first infused with ozone to achieve concentrations ranging from 20 ppm to 2000 ppm. Virus solutions were mixed with OG samples and incubated under different conditions:

• Exposure times: 20 seconds, one hour, and 24 hours
• FBS concentrations: 1%, 20%, and 40% to simulate organic contamination

Viral titers were quantified using the Tissue Culture Infective Dose (TCID50) method to determine the reduction in virus infectivity.

The results of the study showed:

1. Rapid Inactivation:
   
   • OG concentrations ≥1000 ppm inactivated 94.38% of the virus within 20 seconds.
   • Longer exposure enhanced efficacy: after one hour, 1000 ppm or higher inactivated ≥99.82% of the virus, and after 24 hours, 200 ppm or higher inactivated ≥99.87%.
2. Effect of Organic Load:
   
   • OG maintained strong virucidal activity, even in the presence of 20% and 40% FBS; viral inactivation reached ≥99.91% (20% FBS) and ≥99.95% (40% FBS) after one hour at 500 ppm or higher.
   • The study suggests that FBS components amplify ozone's oxidative potential, improving its efficacy in organic matter-rich environments.
3. Durability and Safety:
   
   • The authors note, citing earlier work, that unlike ozonated water, OG keeps its activity much longer, with almost no loss after two months at room temperature.
   • They also note, citing earlier studies, that OG is less irritating to the skin and mucosa than alcohol-based disinfectants.

The findings highlight OG as a promising candidate for safe and effective disinfection, particularly in healthcare settings for practical applications like hand sanitizer and surface cleaning where lipid-enveloped virus contamination is a concern. Its extended ozone stability and efficacy against high organic loads make it suitable for practical applications like hand hygiene and environmental surface cleaning.

General Anti-Inflammatory and Immune-Modulating Effects

The ability of ozonated glycerin to maintain therapeutic activity for longer periods could make it beneficial for managing infections and inflammation. Substances released from ozonated glycerin may penetrate deeper into tissues, targeting areas that ozonated gas or water cannot reach effectively. Combining OG with antimicrobials may improve their effectiveness in treating localized infections and chronic inflammatory conditions in hard-to-reach locations.

Dr. Robert Rowen has shared a patient report on ozonated glycerin for knee arthritis [6], and reader reports on sinus issues [8].

• Sinus Infections and Chronic Inflammation: In a separate collection of reader reports, one person said nebulizing ozonated glycerin greatly helped a chronic sinus issue [8].
• Mastitis in Veterinary Use: In lactating goats with induced mammary inflammation, ozonized glycerin reduced inflammation in the study described below [7].

Goat Mastitis Study

An animal study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of ozonized glycerin (OG) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in the mammary glands of lactating goats [7].

Eight lactating goats (six Shiba and two Tokara breeds) had LPS infused into all udders on Day -1 to induce inflammation. 

On Day 0, post-LPS infusion:

• OG was infused into the right udders (ozone group).
• Glycerin was infused into the left udders (control group).

Milk samples were collected daily from Day -1 to Day 7.

The following parameters were tracked throughout the study:

• Somatic cell count (SCC)
• Lactoperoxidase (LPO) activity, which tracks antimicrobial activity
• Markers of inflammation:
  
  • Interleukin-1β (IL-1β)
  • Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)
  • IL-8
  • IL-10
  • Lactoferrin
  • Sodium ion concentrations

Results showed that the OG-treated group had significantly lower inflammatory markers (IL-8, IL-10, and lactoferrin) than the control group. Also, LPO was lower in the ozone group, although not statistically significant, suggesting resolving inflammation. 

In conclusion, ozonized glycerin demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory potential against LPS-induced goat mastitis. The reduction in pro-inflammatory markers (IL-8) and immunomodulatory markers (IL-10, lactoferrin) suggests OG's potential for managing mastitis-related inflammation.

This study highlights ozonized glycerin as a promising candidate for non-antibiotic treatments in veterinary medicine, specifically for managing mammary gland inflammation.

What to Keep in Mind When Buying Ozonated Glycerin

Oxygen concentrators pull oxygen from room air, which is about 78% nitrogen, and their output is not pure oxygen; a small share of nitrogen and argon remains. When that gas goes through an ozone generator, the nitrogen can form nitrogen oxides, which can end up in the glycerin. It is unclear whether this matters, but if you want the purest ozonized glycerin, ozonate pure glycerin with ozone made from medical-grade oxygen, not a concentrator or room air.

Whether you're going to ozonate your own glycerin or buy a bottle, be sure that it's at least laboratory grade.

Some glycerin, including cosmetic-grade ones, are derived from petroleum and may contain harmful contaminants, making them unsuitable for ozonation or wellness. Petroleum-derived glycerin tends to be cheaper than those derived from edible fats.

Ozonated Glycerin Side Effects and Safety

Ozonated glycerin is generally well tolerated in the small published studies, and the 2022 skin study reported no adverse events [2]. Most problems people report come from using too strong a mix or too much at once:

• By mouth: too much at once can draw water into the gut and cause loose stools. Take less and build up slowly.
• Nose: a strong mix can sting. Drop to 5% in saline, and never use tap water in your nose.
• Nebulizer: coughing, chest tightness or a heavy mist means the mix is too strong. Never nebulize it undiluted, step down a strength, and stop if it irritates your airways. This is glycerin mist, not ozone gas; never breathe ozone gas.
• Skin: patch test a small area first and dilute it in lotion if your skin gets red or irritated.
• Eyes: only with guidance from a qualified practitioner.

Ozonated glycerin is not FDA approved for any medical use. Do not use it during pregnancy. If you have a medical condition or take medications, talk with a qualified practitioner first. Strengths for each use are in the ozonated glycerin protocol.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much ozonated glycerin should I nebulize?

About 5 mL (1 teaspoon) of a 2.5% to 10% mix in distilled water per session, once or twice a day. Start at 2.5%, or 1% if you are sensitive, and step up after a few comfortable sessions.

Should I mix ozonated glycerin with distilled water or saline?

Use saline for the nose, distilled water for a nebulizer, and plain water, or cooled tea or coffee, for drinking. Never use tap water in your nose or nebulizer.

How long does a mix last?

Mix it fresh. Keep leftovers in the fridge and use them within 24 hours. Undiluted ozonated glycerin has an estimated 90-day half-life at room temperature, longer when refrigerated.

Can you drink ozonated glycerin?

Yes. Glycerin is a food ingredient. Start with ½ teaspoon a day in water and work up to 1 tablespoon a day. Too much at once can cause loose stools.

Closing Remarks

Ozonated glycerin’s water solubility and long half-life make it one of the most versatile ways to use ozone, at home and in practice. Its use is primarily based on clinical experience, and published studies are limited, so start with a low dilution and increase gradually.

Work with a qualified practitioner for any medical condition. SimplyO3’s Knowledge Center also covers how to use ozonated glycerin as a nasal spray, drink, nebulizer and skin product [9].

References

1 Canterino, M., Marotta, R., Di Somma, I. and Andreozzi, R. (2009) A Kinetic Investigation on the Ozonation of Glycerol and its Oxygenated Derivatives. Ozone: Science & Engineering, 31(6), 445-453

2 Hanada, K., Okuda, D., Ogi, R., Kojima, S., Tsuruoka, R. and Shiota, G. (2022) Ozonized Glycerin (OG)-Based Cosmetic Products Lighten Age Spots On Human Facial Skin. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd 21, 3133–3139

3 Takeda, Y., Jamsransuren, D., Makita, Y., Kaneko, A., Matsuda, S., Ogawa, H., et al. (2021) Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 by Ozonated Glycerol. Food Environ Virol 13, 316–321

4 Spadea, L., Tonti, E., Spaterna, A. and Marchegiani, A. (2018) Use of Ozone-Based Eye Drops: A Series of Cases in Veterinary and Human Spontaneous Ocular Pathologies. Case Rep Ophthalmol 9, 287–298

5 Dengiz, E., Özcan, Ç., Güven, Y. İ., Uçar, S., Ener, B. K., Sözen, S., et al. (2022) Ozone Gas Applied Through Nebulization As Adjuvant Treatment For Lung Respiratory Diseases Due To Covid-19 Infections: A Prospective Randomized Trial. Med Gas Res 12, 55–59

6 Rowen, R. J. (2024, December 12) Ozonated Glycerin Trumps Ozone Gas for Knee Arthritis? Our First Patient Report! The Rowen Report

7 Suzuki, N., Hirano, M., Shinozuka, Y., Kawai, K., Okamoto, Y. and Isobe, N. (2022) Effects Of Ozonized Glycerin On Inflammation Of Mammary Glands Induced By Intramammary Lipopolysaccharide Infusion In Goats. Animal Science Journal, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd 93, e13780

8 Rowen, R. J. Reporting from the Ozone Meeting: The Ozonated Glycerin “Summit.” The Rowen Report

9 SimplyO3. How to Use Ozonated Glycerin: Nasal Spray, Drinking, Nebulizing and Skin. SimplyO3 Knowledge Center