Glycerol in eye drops

Glycerol is one of Quell’s three active ingredients, listed on the Drug Facts panel as Glycerol (1.0%), with the purpose “lubricant.”

Glycerol or glycerin?

They are the same substance. Labels use either name, so if you are comparing drops or checking an allergy list, search for both. Quell’s carton uses “glycerol.”

A familiar ingredient

Glycerin appears in many artificial tears, which is why you will find it on the panels of several brands. What tends to differ between them is the concentration and everything else in the bottle.

Its job on this label

“Lubricant” is the label’s word for its purpose. With polysorbate 80, it is what makes Quell a lubricating eye drop, in service of the Uses section: For use as a protectant against further irritation or to relieve dryness of the eye.

Reading the strength

The percentage is its concentration in the solution. What the percentages mean explains why that number compares only like with like.

The other actives

Polysorbate 80 is the second lubricant, and light mineral oil is the emollient. All three are set out on the Drug Facts page.