This article is part of our Ozonated Glycerin (Glyzine™) collection — a full resource on what ozonated glycerin is, how it's made, and how to use it.
Though both ozone oil and ozonized glycerin (Glyzine™) are created by infusing ozone gas into a base compound, their chemistry — and how that translates to usage — is quite different.
Ozone Oil
Ozone oil is made by bubbling ozone through culinary oils rich in unsaturated fatty acids, such as olive, sunflower, or flaxseed oils.
Ozone embeds itself into double bonds inside these fatty acids to form ozonides, especially 1,2,4-trioxolanes. Ozonides then break down into peroxide molecules and other carbon-containing intermediates.
The more double bonds an oil has, the more ozonides you will get. That means ozonated sunflower oil will have more ozonides and a higher peroxide value than ozonated olive oil.
These ozonides are the main bioactive compounds and are relatively stable within the oily environment. As ozonation completes, the oil becomes a thicker, gel-like consistency with a characteristic ozone smell.
When purchasing ozone oil, make sure it is ozonated in a cold reactor. Heating oil during ozonation can create unwanted byproducts such as aldehydes you don't want in a topical product.
Ozonated/Ozonized Glycerin
Ozonized glycerin, in contrast, has no carbon-carbon double bonds. Glycerol reacts with ozone to form short-chain oxygenated acids such as:
- Glyceric acid (up to 4,800x higher than in unozonated glycerin)
- Glycolic acid
- Small amounts of other substances such as acetic acid, palmitic acid, and glycerol monopropionate
Glyceric and glycolic acid have a history of skincare applications, including moisturizing and supporting an even skin tone. These compounds make ozonized glycerin more acidic and water-soluble. Unlike oil, glycerin's polar, water-loving nature prevents the stable retention of large ozonides.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Water Solubility
Like glycerin, ozonized glycerin is water-soluble — it spreads easily, absorbs fast, and can mix with water-based products or rinses. It leaves no grease and has no ozone odor.
Ozone oil, being fat-soluble, sits longer on the skin, is slower to absorb, and is more suitable for targeted or sustained-contact application.
Acidity
Ozonized glycerin tends to be more acidic due to its organic acid content. If it's your first time using it at full concentration, you may want to dilute it to test your skin's response.
Ozone oil, while less acidic, carries stable ozonides with sustained oxidative potential. It is very unlikely to irritate skin.
Stability
Ozone oil is more chemically stable, showing a slow and sustained release of ozonides over time — SimplyO3 ozone oils retain approximately 80% of peroxides after 2 years.
Ozonized glycerin is more reactive. Industry experts believe it maintains its chemical properties for at least 90 days. SimplyO3 Glyzine™ is made to order and ships within two business days of production to maximize freshness.
Odor and Texture
Ozone oil has a characteristic rancid-oil smell from peroxidation — this is normal and not a sign of spoilage. Glyzine™ has no ozone odor and a clean, slightly viscous texture that absorbs in 30–60 seconds.
When to Use Each
Choose ozonized glycerin (Glyzine™) when you want: a daily-use format, daytime application, layering under other products, or a no-odor/no-grease option for oily or combination skin.
Choose ozone oil when you want: sustained-release, heavy-duty, or overnight application; targeted spot use; or a more occlusive format for dry skin.
Many users incorporate both: Glyzine™ as a daily base layer, ozonated olive oil as an evening or targeted application.
Continue Reading
- What Is Ozonated Glycerin (Glyzine™)? — the fundamentals of what it is and how it works
- What's Really in Ozonized Glycerin? | Chemical Profile — independent analysis of its composition
- Glyzine Skincare Routine: How to Use Ozonated Glycerin for Skin — practical application guide
- Shop Ozonated Glycerin (Glyzine™) →
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