Glycerin is one of the most used ingredients in skincare products. Just have a look at those in your stash and you’ll find that almost all of them contain high concentrations of Glycerin. And lately, this ingredient is slowly finding its way into haircare products too. But why is Glycerin used so much? What does it do?
What is Glycerin?
Glycerin, also called Glycerine and Glycerol, is a substance present in all human and animal fats. It can be derived naturally by the fermentation of sugars or hydrolysis (decomposition of a chemical compound by reaction with water) of fats, but it can be also synthetically made in a lab.
What does Glycerin do?
Glycerin is a humectant: it has the ability to draw water from the environment and the dermis (the lower layers of skin) into the outer (surface) layers of the skin. It also helps keep the skin’s natural barrier intact. Because of this, Glycerin helps keep skin moisturized and soft, preventing dryness. And it doesn’t just work on skin, it has the same benefits on hair too.
In addition, Glycerin helps protect hair when exposed to the heat of styling tools and, according to the Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists (pg 39-52 1985), Glycerin, by increasing moisture content in hair, helps prevent premature breakage. This is especially true for people with natural African hair as the kinky structure of this type of hair makes it harder to comb and style it, thus leading to more damage and breakage. However, it only works if your hair is relaxed. Otherwise, the same benefits don’t apply.
The problem with Glycerin and how to avoid it
As I mentioned above, Glycerin has the ability to draw moisture from the dermis into the surface of the skin. And once there, this moisture could potentially evaporate into the environment, causing skin to become dry. Pure and undiluted Glycerin left on the skin for too long can actually cause blisters! Not too mention that high concentrations of Glycerin can feel sticky on the skin and who likes to use sticky products, especially when they could dry skin? For these reasons, Glycerin is usually used in skincare products in concentrations up to 10% mixed with other ingredients such as emollients and oils that too soften and moisturize skin. This way, you can enjoy its benefits without problems!
What do you think of Glycerin? Do you like using products with it?
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
I love using glycerin as a mixing medium with pigments. It helps them to really stick and makes it extremely vibrant!
Dee´s last [type] ..Missha Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Cream
Dee, I love using it like that too. It really improves the color payoff of eyeshadows.
I didn’t know about the side effects of too much glycerin, although I did know about its properties and chemical structure! Thanks for another cool ingredients post
I feel so much more knowledgeable when I look at labels now.
Makeup Morsels´s last [type] ..Just Launched- Dermelect Alpine Rose Stem Cell Skincare
Makeup Morsels, aww I’m so glad to hear that. It’s too important to know what ingredients do.
I’ve known about the benefits of glycerin, but I didn’t know there were negative effects as well. I love glycerin in my products because it keeps my skin moisturized without breaking me out.
Tammy´s last [type] ..Midweek Manicure- Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Black Out with LA Girls Rock Star Double Platinum
Tammy, glycerin is an amazing ingredient, moisturizing but non-comedogenic. Too much of it can be drying but properly-formulated products won’t cause any problems.
I never thought of having too much glycerin! But now I see that a too high concentration is a big nono. I have learned more about beauty science through your blog than anywhere else!
Janessa´s last [type] ..Perfect Nude Liner for ALL Skin Colors
Janessa, I’m glad you learned a lot through my blog. It’s really important to know more about the science of beauty so we can choose the best products for our skin.
Most definitely! I pick products because of their ingredients after learning about them through your blog. :] Reading your replies brighten my day! I’m always so excited to read them because you sincerely reply and say more than just ‘thank you for reading’ or ‘thank you’ or ‘ty’ haha. You should really know that it’s very wonderful of you to take so much time into this. I’m sure other readers feel the same way! Makes us want to keep commenting! At least for me. ;D
Janessa´s last [type] ..Perfect Nude Liner for ALL Skin Colors
That’s wonderful that you’re paying more attention to the ingredient you use now, your skin will thank you! And you’re always so sweet. It really makes my day every time I receive a comment from a reader, and it’s a pleasure to reply to them too. I hope my replies will help you or just make you smile and make visiting the blog a better experience for you all.
I really enjoy glycerin in all my cosmetics. I strongly recommend it to anybody using cream or soap to use the one that contains glycerin.
El-harun Isa, it’s a wonderful ingredient, isn’t it?
Is there proof that glycerin extracts water from the dermis of the skin? I was unaware of this and think its a disadvantage to draw moisture from the inner layers of the skin. Can you be sure this is true? Do you have any evidence of this?
Louise´s last [type] ..Braologie Giveaway Winners!
Louise, yes, glycerin can draw moisture from the dermis, but only in low humidity conditions. You also have to consider that glycerin isn’t used alone. When used with occlusive ingredients that create a barrier on the skin, it will prevent the moisture it draws from evaporating. In any case, the risk of glycerin drying out your skin is really low. You can find out more about it here: http://swiftcraftymonkey.blogspot.it/2012/02/question-does-glycerin-draw-water-from.html