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 some 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 higher peroxide value than ozonated olive oil.
These ozonides are the main bioactive compounds and are relatively stable within the oily environment. As ozonation is complete, the oil becomes a thicker, gel-like consistency, with a rancid oil smell.
Some molecules in ozone oil may have higher molecular weight as ozonides can join with each other, creating the more viscous polymers. This is not seen in water-based carriers or glycerin [1], [2].
When purchasing ozone oil, you need to make sure that the oil is ozonated in a cold reactor. Typically, oil ozonation releases a lot of heat, which is a fire hazard. Also, heating oil can create formaldehyde, a toxic substance that you don’t want to eat or apply to your body.
Ozonated/Ozonized Glycerin
Ozonized glycerin, in contrast, has no carbon-carbon double bonds. Glycerol may hold onto ozone and peroxide longer than water. Glycerol reacts with ozone to form short-chain oxygenated acids such as:
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Glyceric acid (up to 4800x higher than in unozonated glycerin)
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Glycolic acid
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And small amounts of other substances such as acetic acid, palmitic acid, and glycerol monopropionate
Glyceric and glycolic acid have a history of skincare applications, such as moisturizing or lightening the skin.
These compounds make ozonized glycerin more acidic and water-soluble. Unlike oil, glycerin’s polar, water-liking nature prevents the stable retention of large ozonides [3], [4].
This makes ozonized glycerin more reactive but potentially less stable over time.
Here’s what matters for the user:
Water Solubility
Like glycerin, ozonized glycerin is water-soluble, so it spreads easily, absorbs fast, and can mix with water-based skincare or rinses.
Ozone oil, being fat-soluble, sits longer on the skin, is slower to absorb, and is more suitable for massage or spot application.
Acidity vs. Oxidizing Power
Ozonized glycerin tends to be more acidic and may be more likely to irritate sensitive skin or mucous membranes at high concentration. So, if it’s your first time using it, you may want to dilute it in water or glycerol to test if it might irritate your skin.
Ozone oil, while less acidic, has a higher oxidative potential from stable ozonides. It’s very unlikely to irritate skin.
Stability
Ozone oil is more chemically stable, showing a slow and sustained release of ozonides over time.
Ozonized glycerin, being more reactive and unstable, may degrade quicker and have a shorter shelf life once opened. Industry experts believe that ozonized glycerin may maintain its chemical properties for at least 90 days.
In short, ozone oil acts like a slow-release, oil-based oxidizer ideal for sustained skin contact, while ozonized glycerin behaves more like a quick-acting, acid-rich toner that soaks in fast.
The chemistry behind each explains their very different feel and function.
When to Use Ozone Oil
Applied on Affected Areas of the Skin
Ozone oil can deliver ozonides to the skin. The ozonides can inhibit microbes on contact. Also, ozone sauna studies suggest that some ozonides can cross the skin barrier [5].
In cosmetic routines, ozone oil may be used on blemishes, dried skin patches, and rough skin. Some existing skincare formulations also mix ozone oil for its regenerative properties.
The ozonides may also have a balancing effect on muscles and joints, making it a beneficial component to mix into a massage oil or spray.
While we cannot make medical claims, the ozonides can deliver a small amount of oxidative stress. This small amount of oxidative stress stimulates the skin’s own balance and self-renewal capacity [6].
For oil pulling (mouthwash)
Another common use for ozone oil is oil pulling, an age-old oral care practice that involves swishing oil around the mouth.
The ozonides in ozone oil can promote healthy oral conditions, gum health, and oral flora, making it beneficial for oral health.
Typically, full-strength ozonated oil is too strong for the mouth’s lining and needs to be diluted. Our ozone oil pulling solution is diluted to the right strength for most people. We also add essential oils to mask the rancid oil smell of the ozone oil, making it more palatable and delivering the familiar minty flavor of most oral health products.
Some people oil pull daily, while others are more sensitive and do it only a few times per week.
Ozone oil pulling doesn’t remove the need for regular brushing or flossing, but may replace mouthwashes that also kill friendly oral bacteria.
Learn more about how to do ozone oil pulling and its health benefits here.
Ingesting orally
Ozone oils can be consumed orally to deliver ozonides to the gut. So, we’ve created three different types of ozone capsules.
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Our regular organic ozone oil capsules deliver ozone oils into the stomach content.
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Stomach Caps have stomach-soothing ingredients that also help the ozonides stick to the stomach lining.
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Intesti Caps protect ozonides from stomach acid, opening in the upper small intestine
This article more comprehensively compares these three different types of ozone oil capsules and how to use them.
When to use ozonized glycerin
Skin application
The ozonation process chemically transforms the glycerin, producing a spectrum of oxidized byproducts, along with organic acids like glyceric acid and glycolic acid.
As a result, ozonized glycerin is a more acidic and water-soluble product than ozone oil.
To date, there is only one clinical trial regarding the use of ozonized glycerin.
A two-part study consisted of test tube experiments and a clinical trial of 48 women. The clinical portion evaluated the effectiveness and safety of ozonized glycerin in lightening facial age spots. The test tube portion examined ozonized glycerin’s effects on melanin degradation and keratinocyte differentiation [7].
For the clinical study, 48 women applied ozonized glycerin formulations (80 or 800 ppm) twice daily to facial skin for 8 weeks. Melanin content was measured at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks.
The study found that:
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Melanin degradation: Both ozonized glycerin concentrations directly degraded synthetic melanin, with 800 ppm reducing melanin by ~40% by Day 14. Effects were noticeable as early as 6 hours.
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Skin differentiation markers: ozonized glycerin increased readout from genes involved in skin cell maturation, suggesting enhanced cell turnover.
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Clinical outcomes: Both concentrations significantly reduced in facial melanin content at 8 weeks.
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No treatment-related adverse events were observed.
Ozonized glycerin formulations at both tested concentrations are safe and effective for lightening facial age spots, potentially by promoting melanin breakdown and accelerating skin renewal.
Can You Mix Ozone Oil with Ozonized Glycerin?
Technically, yes, you can combine ozone oil and ozonized glycerin in the same application.
But because of how different they are chemically, they may separate like oil and water. You’re essentially layering two distinct textures that serve different purposes.
Ozone oil is made from a base of plant oils (like olive or sunflower oil), which are hydrophobic, meaning they don’t mix well with water-based substances.
Ozonized glycerin, on the other hand, is hydrophilic and fully water-soluble. However, your skin can absorb both.
If you do choose to use them together, the best approach is to apply them sequentially, not simultaneously.
So yes, they can be combined, but they’re better as partners than as a true mixture.
Other considerations
While both ozone oil and ozonized glycerin have promising properties, there are important differences in how well they’ve been studied, and how they should be used safely.
Scientific Evidence
Ozone oil has a lot more scientific backing than ozonized glycerin. This includes clinical literature, lab testing, and historical usage data supporting its composition and effects, especially in topical applications.
Researchers have mapped out the types of ozonides formed, their oxidation potential, and their stability over time.
By contrast, ozonized glycerin is relatively new, with far fewer published studies exploring its therapeutic use or chemical behavior. Our internal testing, like LC/MS analyses, shows compelling evidence of active components like glyceric acid and glycolic acid.
Tolerance
Because ozonized glycerin becomes acidic after ozonation, there may be a higher chance of tissue irritation, especially if applied to sensitive or broken skin.
Ozone oil, while less acidic, is also a powerful oxidative product and can cause irritation if overused or applied too frequently.
That’s why it’s best to start low and slow with either product. These substances work as a hormesis, where small doses of stress stimulate beneficial responses. However, higher doses may cause damage. More isn’t always better, and sensitivity varies by individual.
For new users, it’s wise to first dilute ozonated glycerin in unozonated glycerol or other skincare products. Then, patch-test on a small area before applying widely.
Always listen to your body’s feedback, and when in doubt, consult with a qualified practitioner.
1 Sadowska, J., Johansson, B., Johannessen, E., Friman, R., Broniarz-Press, L. and Rosenholm, J. B. (2008) Characterization of ozonated vegetable oils by spectroscopic and chromatographic methods. Chem Phys Lipids 151, 85–91
2 Uysal, B. (2014) Ozonated olive oils and the troubles. J Intercult Ethnopharmacol 3, 49–50
3 Okusa, N., Oh, H., Masuno, K., Makita, Y. and Imamura, Y. (2023) Comparative Study of Ozonated Glycerol and Macrogol Ointment on Bone Matrix Production by Human Osteosarcoma Cell Line Saos-2. Materials (Basel) 16
4 Lowe, J. (2025) Will Ozonated Glycerin Be The Miracle Product of the Future? Ozone Apothecary Blog
5 Borrelli, E. (2021) Transcutaneous ozone therapy: an underestimated medical practice. International Journal of Complementary & Alternative Medicine, MedCrave Publishing 14, 62–65
6 Travagli, V., Zanardi, I., Valacchi, G. and Bocci, V. (2010) Ozone and ozonated oils in skin diseases: a review. Mediators Inflamm 2010, 610418
7 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
