One of the most often cited ingredients in cosmetics, behind water and fragrance, is glycerin. It is also a key element in moisturizers and creams. Using glycerin in its pure form is becoming increasingly common; if you look at the back of your skincare items, you will almost certainly find glycerin listed somewhere.
What is Glycerin?
Glycerin, commonly known as glycerol, is a colourless and odourless sugar alcohol. It is the major component of triglycerides, which are naturally occurring lipids found in most lipid-rich substances.
Glycerin is a humectant, a sort of moisturizing agent that draws water from deeper layers of your skin and the surrounding air.
Source: Medical Centric
Glycerin was initially discovered in 1779 by a Swedish chemist who accidentally isolated the component while preparing soap from olive oil.
Glycerin was traditionally obtained from plant and animal fats, although it can also be chemically synthesized. Due to its thick, viscous texture and lack of toxicity, it is a widely used ingredient in a variety of items, such as food, medicine, and cosmetic products.
Benefits of Glycerin
- Moisturizing: The main advantage of glycerin is that it acts as a humectant. It increases moisture in the same way that hyaluronic acid, another humectant, does, but it is more effective. It provides a covering that protects the skin from losing water while also promoting soft skin by allowing dead and damaged surface skin cells to slough more quickly.
- Glycerin is a gentle component that can be used on all skin types, even sensitive skin. It is a safe and well-tolerated component, even in people with sensitive skin, making it ideal for moisturizers.
- Softening: Glycerin is both moisturizing and emollient, which means it can soften the skin. Glycerin can help those suffering from eczema or other conditions that produce dryness or flakiness.
- Glycerin’s ability to temporarily plump the look of skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles is one of its most unique characteristics. Studies indicate that glycerin can penetrate the skin and enhance water retention between cells, resulting in a plumper and firmer appearance. Glycerin also binds with and stabilizes collagen, the protein responsible for giving skin its elasticity. These combined effects help contribute to a younger-looking skin.
Some Products With Glycerin Include;
- Elemis Exotic Cream Moisturizing Mask.
- Dove Body Love Intense Care Body Lotion.
- First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream.
- Byoma Hydrating Serum
- CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser.
- La Roche-Posay Nutritic Intense Rich. E.t.c
How to Use Glycerin
- First, cleanse your face with cold water.
- Apply glycerin to a cotton pad or tissue and gently blot your face.
- Allow the glycerin to sink into your skin for a few minutes.
- Gently rinse the glycerin with water.
Please ensure to use of products containing glycerin in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Glycerin is regarded as a safe substance for use on the skin. However, in high doses, it may cause skin irritations. As a result, it is not recommended to apply pure glycerin to your skin. Instead, dermatologists recommend using products that contain the chemical, as most glycerin-containing skincare products have a relatively low concentration.
