The cosmetics industry is rapidly growing, with several skin care products manufactured and released for human consumption. And one of the extensively used ingredients for producing skin care products, such as lotions, moisturisers, and cosmetics, is glycerin.
What is Glycerin?
Glycerin, or glycerol, is a clear, odourless, colourless natural compound from animal fats or vegetable oils. The syrupy liquid has a sweet taste and is a humectant, a kind of moisturising agent that draws water from the air and the deep layers of the skin into the outer layer of the skin.
Glycerin is frequently used with another moisturising agent, occlusive, to trap the water drawn into the skin. Glycerin is considered the most beneficial humectant compared to others, such as urea, hyaluronic acid, sorbitol, etc.
Uses of Glycerin
Glycerin is used by various cosmetic companies in the production of several skin care products, such as the following;
- Toners: Skin toners with glycerin are excellent for people with innately oily skin because it hydrates the skin with a light, rejuvenating most. They freshen up the skin without making it feel greasy or sticky.
- Cleansers: Glycerin doesn’t clog skin pores or add oil to the skin. This property makes glycerin a fantastic cleaner for people with acne-prone skin. You can also use glycerin facial cleansers to remove grease and dirt without making the skin dry, regardless of your skin type.
- Moisturisers: The moisturising property of glycerin is imposing, and you can find it in various moisturising skin products like foot and hand lotions, face creams, body lotions, etc. It hydrates the skin and covers wrinkles to give a soft, smooth appearance and feel.
- Soaps: Glycerin is an active ingredient in several body washes and soaps. The gentle and hydrating property of glycerin also makes it a commonly used ingredient in baby soaps and other skin products.
- Sunscreen: Sunscreen protects the skin against harsh UV rays that damage the skin. Glycerin is used in some sunscreen products as a moisturiser to help make the sunscreen smooth and spreadable.
- Face Masks: There are face masks with glycerin for moisturising and brightening the skin. Glycerin-containing face masks can provide instantaneous age-defying and quick hydration results.
Benefits of Glycerin
Glycerin comes with several benefits to the skin, regardless of skin type (oily, dry, or sensitive). Natural glycerin skin products are eco-friendly, and those from vegetable sources are suitable for vegans who prefer products that don’t involve animals. These are some benefits of natural glycerin:
- Glycerin Keeps the Skin Young and Moisturized: Frequent application of glycerin to the skin traps moisture, giving it a moisturised, healthy, youthful glow. It helps to alleviate wrinkles and enhances the skin function to decelerate the ageing process.
- Glycerin is Safe and Gentle: Using a safe skin care product like glycerin will help your skin maintain its protective function. Glycerin doesn’t clog up pores, induce irritation or dry skin, and is gentle on the skin.
- Glycerin Reduces Acne: Glycerin is a non-comedogenic and oil-free ingredient, so it won’t cause clogged pores that lead to acne breakouts. Cleaning your oily skin with glycerin often will prevent and reduce acne.
- Glycerin Heals and Protects the Skin: Glycerin helps heal dry, cracked, and damaged skin by increasing hydration. It is helpful for skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema and accelerates wound healing processes. It also has antimicrobial effects that protect the skin from bacteria.
- Glycerin Preserves Other Ingredients: Glycerin also functions as a solvent and preservative in skin care products. It has incredible antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties.
Conclusion
Overall, glycerin is an exceptional skincare ingredient that is excellent for every skin type with impressive health benefits. It is also safe and perfect for all age groups, including babies, adults, and seniors.