Glycerin is classed as a humectant and a foundation ingredient in cosmetic formulation. While it is used to evenly disperse and blend in other ingredients, such as active ingredients in powdered form and thickeners such as gums, it does not act as a solubiliser whose function is to disperse small amounts of oils in aqueous bases. Glycerin is water soluble and compatible and will therefore not mix with nor homogeneously disperse oils such as essential and other fragrance oils into an aqueous base formulation. While small amounts of essential oils may to the naked eye seem to disperse in glycerin, they will in fact be encapsulated in it or sit on top of the glycerin and therefore not be effectively nor safely dispersed.