USP, or United States Pharmacopeia, grade chemicals comply with the standards of the United States Pharmacopeia and National Formulary (USP-NF). USP Grade chemicals are fit for use in food, drugs, and medicines. They are subject to stringent testing and are typically required to have the highest level of purity.

What is USP grade used for?

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing – USP grade isopropyl alcohol is used as a solvent in the production of many pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical products.

Personal Care Active Ingredients – Many personal hygienes and care products contain USP grade chemicals such as alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, glycerin, and more as both active and inactive ingredients. The high purity level of chemicals in these products is essential to consumer safety.

Medical and First Aid – USP or pharmaceutical grade alcohol and hydrogen peroxide are both used for first aid purposes when cleaning out minor wounds and preventing infection. This grade of alcohol can also be used to sterilize medical tools.

FDA Approved Hand Sanitizer – The FDA approved hand sanitizer formula calls for both USP grade glycerin 99.7% as it is non-GMO, hypoallergenic, and non-irritating, as well as USP grade alcohol as the active ingredient for sanitization.

The difference between ACS Grade and USP Grade?

ACS grade meets or exceeds purity standards set by the American Chemical Society (ACS). USP grade meets or exceeds requirements of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). Both of these grades are acceptable for food, drug, or medicinal use and can be used for ACS applications or for general procedures that require stringent quality specifications and high purity. The difference is each grade is governed by a different independent non profit organization in different regions and industries sometimes with specific instructions to use one or the other.