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. It has a half-life of about 90 days after ozonation.
2. Glycerin is water-soluble, can penetrate tissues, is edible, and may have numerous medical uses. Ozonated glycerin should penetrate skin barriers and into cells. However, currently there is only animal and anecdotal evidence, although with promisingly positive results.
3. Ozonated glycerin may be applied topically, gargled, ingested, or injected.
4. Published studies suggest that it has antiviral, antibacterial, regenerative, and melanin-bleaching effects. 
5. An ozone advocate, Jim Bridge, DVM, provided case reports of ozonized glycerin in tumors in animals. A few other ozone advocates have stated ozonized glycerin’s clinical use in humans.  
6. While a small and growing number of physicians claim ozonated glycerin is safe, it still has not overcome the burden of proof on safety.  

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.  

Unfortunately, ozonized glycerin is the least formally studied delivery method for ozone therapy, which presents a challenge in delivering definitive insights.

Nevertheless, we’ve written this article to present the most current information available. Given the limited research, we approach this topic from a scientific perspective, using terms like “experimental,” “reported,” “purported,” and “potential” to acknowledge what is known while leaving room for aspects that remain unexplored and lack formal research. There are still a lot of unknown elements in comparison to other forms of ozone therapy.  

Ozonized glycerin’s use is currently experimental and should be done under medical supervision. Ozonized glycerin is not FDA approved and a consultation with a physician is advised.  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.

While ozonated glycerin appears promising for various uses, it is strictly experimental and there is very little information about it. Enthusiasts and early adopters have explored its applications in wound care, skincare, infection management, and cancer treatments in animals. 

Despite its increasing popularity, there remains little human clinical evidence to validate its efficacy, so it's important to view claims about ozonated glycerin through a critical lens. This article will delve into its properties, applications, and limitations to separate fact from fiction.

Biochemical Properties of Ozonized Glycerin

Very little is known about ozonated glycerin. Here’s what I’ve learned from colleagues in the ozone therapy industry. 

• Speculated to have a 90-day half-life (vs. 20–40 minutes for ozone water, and 18–24 months for ozone oil).  However, the half life of ozonated glycerin is not validated yet to our knowledge.  We are familiar with organizations actively seeking this out.
• Water-soluble
• Antibacterial and antiviral on contact [1, 2], [3]  
• Promotes wound healing [2]

How Is Ozonized Glycerin Used?

Ozonated glycerin has a variety of reported applications due to its purported therapeutic properties, but its use remains largely experimental. Advocates claim its antimicrobial and healing potential makes it suitable for several routes of administration, depending on the intended purpose. Below, we explore its primary methods of use and the experimental nature of each.

These applications are derived from literature and clinical reports. However, it must be emphasized that literature on ozonized glycerin is sparse and more research is needed to fully understand its potential safety and efficacy.

Topical

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]. Most of these byproducts can cross the skin barriers and enter cells better than most oils, making ozonated glycerin a great delivery system for ozonated byproducts to deep layers of the skin. 

These include age spots, where the treatment needs to reach past the keratin layer of the skin. For clinicians and patients, this represents a safe and practical alternative for addressing localized skin issues [2]. Clinical evidence verifying these effects is limited, so users should exercise caution due to potential irritation or adverse reactions.

Injections

Some practitioners experiment with injecting ozonated glycerin directly into tissues or joints, particularly in alternative pain management or regenerative medicine contexts [4]. Ozone's oxidative potential may stimulate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, or provide desired oxidative therapy. 

While these injections have had some great results in animals, there is virtually no reliable human evidence. Although ozonated glycerin is antimicrobial, injections should be sterile and pharmaceutical-grade and performed by a qualified practitioner using aseptic techniques to prevent infections.

Oral

Food-grade glycerin is edible, sweet-tasting, and is legally classified as a food ingredient. Ozonated glycerin may be used as a mouthwash or ingested in small amounts, with proponents claiming it can improve oral health or address gastrointestinal issues. 

The oxidative properties of ozone are theorized to combat harmful bacteria and promote gut health. However, excessive amounts may damage mucosal linings or disrupt the delicate balance of the oral and gut microbiomes. Also, excessive doses of ozonated glycerin may attract water into the gut, causing loose stool.

Nasal Spray

The nasal spray may address sinus issues or reduce inflammation in the nasal passages. Advocates believe its antimicrobial properties could target pathogens in the upper respiratory tract [3] and deliver some substances to the brain.

This use is highly experimental, as the nasal mucosa is sensitive. Prolonged exposure to oxidative agents could cause irritation or damage.

Eye Drops

Ozonated glycerin is also being explored as an eye drop for treating conjunctivitis and other eye infections. Its oxidative properties might provide a direct antibacterial effect [5]. 

The eyes are particularly vulnerable to damage from improper treatments, and no significant human studies exist to validate this application. Self-administration is not advised without medical oversight.

Nebulizer

In an even more experimental approach, ozonated glycerin is sometimes nebulized and inhaled to target lung infections or reduce respiratory inflammation [6]. This method is highly controversial, as inhaling ozone, even in stabilized forms, can harm lung tissue. Its safety and effectiveness remain unproven, and risks may outweigh any benefits.

Experimental Health Benefits of Ozonated Glycerin

Ozonated glycerin is emerging as a versatile tool in ozone therapy, with a range of potential health benefits backed by preliminary research and clinical case studies. However, it's still experimental, and we don't fully understand how it works.

Its slow-release mechanism sets it apart, allowing sustained delivery of ozone's therapeutic effects over time. In the following sections, we explore ozonated glycerin’s potential while critically assessing current research.

Ozonated Glycerin’s Use in Cancer Treatment

A few clinicians report use of ozonized glycerin for cancer treatment, believing it has unique chemical properties and interactions with cancer cells [7]. It is not proven effective or approved for such use.

They claim ozone-infused glycerin’s mechanism revolves around two key factors:

1. Purported Selective Uptake by Cancer Cells: Cancer cells mostly burn glucose for energy and growth. In the first step of burning glucose for energy, it splits the 6-carbon glucose into two glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate molecules [8]. Ozonated glycerin may have similar molecules that cancer cells absorb for fuel [9].
2. Purported Cytotoxic Effects: Supposedly, once inside the cancer cells, ozonated glycerin may slowly release reactive oxygen species (ROS) and peroxides. Cancer cells have disrupted antioxidant defense, so they’re more susceptible to dying from these oxidative substances, whereas healthy cells are more resistant due to their normal-functioning antioxidant defenses.

Case Studies in Veterinary Medicine

While still experimental, unverified case reports in veterinary applications have shown some encouraging results. The veterinarian Jim Bridge demonstrated this application by injecting ozonated glycerin into various tumors in animals [7]:

• Sarcoma: A nine-year-old labrador with a massive spleen sarcoma experienced a 75% tumor reduction after the first abdominal cavity injection. After six months of repeated monthly injections, the sarcoma went into remission.
• Fibrosarcomas: Two cats with vaccine-induced fibrosarcomas showed complete tumor resolution after a single treatment.
• Lymphoma: A 12-year-old dog treated for a four-centimeter lymphoma mass experienced full mass regression after three injections, although some lymph nodes remained unaffected.
• Liver Abnormalities: Both a 12-year-old cat with an enlarged liver and a dog with liver cirrhosis from fungal infections achieved complete remission after abdominal injections.

Early Human Applications

Encouraged by Jim Bridge’s report, some physicians have begun experimental treatments with ozonated glycerin injections in human patients, providing further unverified case reports [7]:

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A woman with vaginal squamous cell cancer observed an 80% tumor reduction after three treatments.
• Breast Cancer: A patient with a large lymph node metastasis saw a 30% reduction in node size after two treatments.
• Dental Abscesses: A single injection around the affected area completely cured one patient with an abscessed tooth.

Emerging anecdotal evidence suggests ozonated glycerin could be studied for aiding cancer treatments. Its slow-release mechanism may allow for prolonged delivery of reactive oxygen species and peroxides, which are toxic to cancer cells but typically safe for healthy tissue in proper doses.

This makes ozonated glycerin potentially more beneficial than traditional ozone gas treatments. Its possible uptake by cancer cells, due to their rapid metabolism, could enhance its therapeutic potential. 

By releasing oxygen metabolites over time, ozonated glycerin may disrupt the energy production pathways that cancer cells rely on, impeding tumor growth. While more research is needed, the preliminary findings merit interest from clinical researchers.

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:

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

Limitations and Experimental Nature

While promising, this therapy is still in its infancy. The evidence primarily consists of case studies and anecdotal reports, demonstrating the need for larger-scale, placebo-controlled clinical trials. Ozonated glycerin may have potential as a low-cost and less invasive adjunct therapy for certain cancers.

Skin Issues and Cosmetic Use

A dual in vitro and clinical study 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 double-blind, placebo-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

An experimental study investigated the ability of ozonated glycerol to inactivate lipid-enveloped viruses 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. Lipid-enveloped virus viral 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.
   • Prolonged exposure of one hour or 24 hours enhanced efficacy, with ≥99.82% viral inactivation observed for 200 ppm or higher.
2. Effect of Organic Load:
   
   • OG maintained strong virucidal activity, even in the presence of 20% and 40% FBS; viral inactivation rates reached ≥99.95% 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:
   
   • Unlike ozonated water, OG has a longer shelf life, retaining its ozone content and virucidal activity for up to two months at room temperature.
   • OG is less irritating to the skin and mucosa compared to 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 shared unverified case reports highlighting ozonated glycerin's potential in managing inflammation and infections [10].

• Case of Abscess Resolution: One patient presented with a persistent dental abscess that had not responded well to conventional antibiotics. After a single injection of ozonated glycerin into the affected area, the abscess reportedly resolved within a week.
• Sinus Infections and Chronic Inflammation: Using a diluted form of ozonated glycerin as a nasal spray to treat his own chronic sinusitis, Dr. Rowen reported significant improvement in his symptoms, including reduced congestion and pain. Over time, his chronic sinusitis resolved without the need for additional medications or treatments.
• Skin Infections: Another patient suffering from a persistent, infected wound that resisted standard wound care reported notable improvement after applying ozonated glycerin. Within days, inflammation subsided, the wound seemed to heal faster, and much of the discomfort resolved.
• Mastitis in Veterinary Use: In lactating animals, Dr. Rowen reported how ozonated glycerin can be used to treat mastitis, a painful inflammatory condition of the mammary glands. When infused into the affected areas, it reduced local inflammation, lowered bacterial load, and alleviated discomfort.
• Joint Inflammation and Pain: Ozonated glycerin has also been used in joint injections to reportedly address inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. One patient reported significant pain relief and improved joint mobility after a series of injections.

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 [11].

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

Ozonized glycerin using an oxygen concentrator during production can produce compounds with nitrogen, sulfur, zirconium, and even fluoride due to the lack of purity provided by a concentrator. Currently, it’s unclear whether these nitrogen and phosphate-based compounds are beneficial or harmful. Atmospheric air is 80% nitrogen gas, so there is NO oxygen concentrator able to avoid this issue. Therefore, if you want pure ozonized glycerin, you have to ozonate pure glycerin with pure ozone-oxygen gas, not 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.

Closing Remarks

Although ozonated glycerin has a lot of potential, there is still minimal evidence supporting its safety and effectiveness. The only confirmed high-quality clinical evidence (randomized controlled trial) was for skin health and age spot lightening. For other uses, however, the evidence is limited to case reports of humans and animals. It is crucial to exercise a healthy degree of skepticism.

That said, its speculated biochemical properties make it intriguing. So far, the unverified reports on the success in cancer treatments may have made it a big (yet to be proven) hit among anyone looking for holistic cancer care. Since every case is different and cancer can be a race against time, it’s best to consult a qualified and experienced physician who can provide individualized advice.

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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 Hidalgo-Tallón, F. J., Torres-Morera, L. M., Baeza-Noci, J., Carrillo-Izquierdo, M. D. and Pinto-Bonilla, R. (2022) Updated review on ozone therapy in pain medicine. Front. Physiol. 13, 840623

5 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

6 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

7 Thomas, D., DO and MS. Innovative Ozone-Based Cancer Treatments Thomas Health Blog

8 Ganapathy-Kanniappan, S., Kunjithapatham, R. and Geschwind, J.-F. (2012) Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase: a promising target for molecular therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncotarget 3, 940–953

9 Knight, K. L. and Mudd, J. B. (1984) The Reaction Of Ozone With Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase. Arch Biochem Biophys 229, 259–269

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

11 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

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