HOME | PRODUCTS REVIEWS/DECODING | INGREDIENTS | ROUTINE ORDER | SKINCARE MYTHS | TERMINOLOGY | GUIDE | BLOGS
The Natural humectant glycerin, which comes from both plant and animal sources, has established itself as a skincare powerhouse. Glycerin, a key ingredient in many personal care products because of its capacity to trap moisture, has a wealth of advantages for the skin. To use glycerin effectively in skincare formulas, one must maintain a balanced viewpoint, grasp its potential benefits, and take certain factors into account. In this essay, we dig into the fascinating world of glycerin and discuss its usefulness and potential drawbacks for the skincare industry.
Glycerin
Understanding the Benefits and Drawbacks of Glycerin
Glycerin:
INGREDIENT TYPE: Hydrator
MAIN ADVANTAGES: Moisturizes, smoothes, and gives skin a dewy appearance.
WHY IT SHOULD BE USED: Glycerin is generally harmless for all types of skin.
HOW OFTEN: Glycerin-containing products can be used topically several times per day.
SUITS: Other hydrating components, such as rose water or hyaluronic acid.
Describe Glycerin
Glycerin draws moisture from the air into the stratum corneum (top layer of skin) and keeps doing so into the deeper layers of the dermis because of its low molecular weight. Considering that it has a molecular weight of roughly 92 g/mol, it can penetrate the skin deeply. Glycerin is a naturally occurring substance in the body. It comes from plants and is used in topical treatments. In other words, the magic happens when you apply glycerin to the skin. The moisture your skin loses can be replaced once it has been absorbed where it is needed.
What is Glycerin used for?
Since almost everything can benefit from a healthy dose of glycerin, you can add it to practically every stage of your program. A moisturizer or other moisturizing skin care product typically has glycerin pre-mixed with a number of additional components. Since glycerin is the fundamental building block of the majority of important lipids, which are oils found in your skin, it has a strong affinity for the skin. It is one of the most often utilized raw materials in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. It is hence a common element in skincare products, particularly moisturizers, cleansers, and serums. It's a simple and effective approach to getting incredibly smooth and moisturized skin.
What function does Glycerin play in a formula?
Moisturizing
Glycerin Safety Profile
Glycerin has no known negative effects when used as a component in skincare products, but if used in excessive amounts, it could result in an allergic reaction. Key actives should be closer to the top when you're looking for them, but you might need to check a little lower down for glycerin. You don't want to see it too high up on the ingredient list because it can be quite sticky and will change how the product feels. Generally speaking, with a common utilization level of 10%, it's preferable to see it around the third or fourth ingredient down.
Glycerin in Skincare
When you're battling dry, dehydrated, or cracked skin, you'll take some extra moisture wherever you can get it. Cosmetic chemists will incorporate it in most formulations because of how good it is at hydrating.
Glycerin is frequently included in pharmaceutical lotions, which are marketed by doctors to cure excessive dryness and restore skin suppleness. This helps protect the skin from harsh chemicals. Due to the harsh soaps we use, which remove our natural oils, it keeps your skin soft, supple, and nourished.
It stops moisture loss: "Oils and serums are designed to enter the skin barrier and be absorbed by the skin. Glycerin-based products do not do this. Glycerin-based treatments, which are thicker, are intended to reinforce the skin barrier by protecting the surface.They stop the skin from losing water, which enables natural oils to nurture and repair the skin.
Glycerin is non-comedogenic and lightweight, making it suited for all skin types, especially oily or acne-prone skin. Because of its thin texture and ease of absorption, it won't clog pores or leave a greasy residue on the face.
Enhances Skin Firmness and Elasticity: Glycerin's moisturizing abilities enhance the skin's firmness and elasticity, minimizing the visibility of fine lines and creating a more youthful complexion.
Glycerin's potential drawbacks include:
Allergic Reactions:Despite the fact that glycerin is typically tolerated well, some people may still develop moderate allergic reactions or irritated skin. Before adding glycerin-rich products to a skincare routine, it is crucial to conduct a patch test.
Humidity sensitivity: The ability of glycerin to draw moisture depends on how humid the surrounding air is. It might rob moisture from the skin's deeper layers in excessively dry conditions, causing temporary dryness. In order to seal in hydration, glycerin must be combined with occlusive substances.
Occlusive Characteristics: If glycerin is not sealed with occlusive agents, it may suck water from the deeper layers of the skin since it draws moisture. After using glycerin, you can avoid excessive moisture loss by using a moisturizer or lotion with occlusive components.
Ethics in Purchasing: Because glycerin can come from either animal or plant sources, ethical sourcing issues are raised. Glycerin generated from plants or that is vegan adheres to the principles of sustainable and cruelty-free beauty.
