I am looking into making my own bodywash,a few questions I need answered would be very helpful. thanks?

I have several recipes to make my own bodywash which would save soooo much money with having a family of 6,going on 7. the only thing is apparently no store that I've been to sells glycerin and honestly when I ask the pharmacist if they sell it,they look at me like I'm attempting to make some kind of explosive or something... I can't get it online because I do not have a card or bank account(paycheck to paycheck living at the current moment). Is there anything I can use in place of the glycerin for the body wash? I've heard several people say the glycerin acts as a type of "smoothing agent" for lack of a better term.It keeps the bodywash from clumping up and keeps it smooth and able to flow better instead of dealing with the clumps that develope in it without glycerin. I don't know of any other agent or ingredient that would do the same thing as I'm brand new to the homemade living. But after making my own baby wipes,laundry soap,candles,and fabric softener....I've become hooked on the huge savings and its an awesome stress reliever to just make my own smelly good stuff. If anyone has other recipes,or suggestions(experience or not) on using something in place of the glycerin I would absolutely appreciate it all. thanks so much =)