What is it
Glycerin, also called glycerine or glycerol, is a thick, colorless, sweet-tasting liquid that freezes into a thick paste. It can be derived from natural substances (glycerol is present in all animal and vegetable lipids) or can be synthesized.
What it does
Glycerin is a humectant agent. It attracts water to the skin, hydrates and moisturizes it, leaving it soft. It provides a barrier to the skin while permitting it to breathe. It allows topical agents to go on smoothly and helps other skin lipids do their jobs better. It also is an hair conditioning agent.
Glycerin is a remedy for for yeast and fungal infections. It is good for those with eczema, psoriasis and sensitive skin.
It is also a good solvent.
Side effects
Glycerin can clog pores when used in high concentrations.
Pure glycerin (not diluted) can cause blisters.
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
I use diluted glycerin as a mixing solution to foil pigments and so far so good. Some people also use it as a moisturizer for babies. It’s sweet and I have to restrain myself from licking the glycerin soap bars
Hmm interesting. I used to love those glycering soaps from Bath and Body Works
The only glycerin I use is for homemade mixing medium. I also heard they use it for cleaning the system so you can go to the bathroom… hehe~
Yessssss, glycerine makes MIXING MEDIUM. Which you should go and make right now, Gio! D:!
Dao: Have heard very good things about using it to foil pigments. I should start doing that soon as well, just haven’t got around to it yet.
Lydia: I never tried Bath and Body Works, but I love glycerin soaps!
Alyssa: I didn’t know they used it for claning the system.. hehe
Anastasia: I know I know, I will soon, I promise!
what is the source of glycerin when it is used in cosmetics
Kanwal, glycerin can be both derived from natural substances or be synthetically manufactured. usually organic companies state it when they use the natural type though. Hope this helps.
but if the source has not been mentioned what does it mean.is that matter remains doubtful?????wats the rule behind this????
Kanwal, if the source is not mentioned, then unfortunately we have no way of knowing if it derived from plants, animals or made synthetically.
I’ve heard that you can put glycerine on your baby’s passifier, is this true and isn’t it harmfull to baby?
Jennie, I don’t think that would be harmful, but you may wanna consult your doctor, just to be completely sure.