Why Is Glycerin Used In Skin Care Products?

Glycerin, or glycerol, is a chemical substance found in nature and typically generated from either vegetable oils or animal fats. This liquid is clear, has no discernible color or smell, and has the consistency of syrup. Glycerin is a popular ingredient in skin care products because of its ability to pull moisture to the skin and its ability to work in tandem with occlusives to keep that moisture in. Because of its efficacy, you’re likely to find it on the ingredient lists on most of your favorite top-shelf products like—

Cleanser

Glycerin is a great cleanser for people with bacne or acne-prone skin because it won't clog pores or add additional oil to the skin. Facial cleansers containing glycerin are effective at removing debris and oil without stripping the skin of its natural oils.

Toner 

Glycerin-based toners are an excellent method to refresh the skin without leaving it feeling greasy or sticky. 

Mist

People with naturally oily skin can hydrate with a fine, revitalizing mist thanks to glycerin toners.

Some sunscreens contain glycerin as a natural moisturizer and to make the sunscreen easier to spread.

Moisturizer

Glycerin's ability to moisturize is one of its most impressive qualities. Glycerin functions as a humectant and is a common ingredient in moisturizing goods like face creams and hand and foot lotions, to mention a few. The beauty of glycerin is that it gently fills in uneven patches and fine lines to give the skin a smooth, velvety feel and appearance while also attracting moisture to the skin's surface.

👉 Also: Safe skincare when breastfeeding

Masks

Glycerin is a component of certain face masks that are used to hydrate and brighten the skin. Use a glycerin face mask for rapid hydration and noticeable anti-aging effects.

Body Wash

Glycerin is frequently present in a wide range of soaps, body cleansers, and even baby skin care products!—because it is gentle and won't dry out the skin. We love using it in our Whipped Shower Foams because of its proven track record of improving dry, damaged, and cracked skin moisture. Glycerin can be used for wounds caused by broken skin and to treat skin disorders like eczema or psoriasis. Glycerin supports skin health overall by enhancing skin function, hastening the healing of wounds, and shielding skin from irritants, plus it has been shown to have antibacterial properties.

👉 We think you'll love: What's In Your Body Wash?

So yeah, it’s possibly the most popular ingredient on your vanity. In fact, according to experts, glycerin is "the most effective humectant" for improving the moisture level of the skin's outermost layer. However, please be warned—Glycerin acts as a humectant, meaning that it attracts moisture from the air or another liquid. When outside humidity levels are low, your skin's deeper layers become the closest reservoir of water. If this continues, the skin's moisture content can drop to the point of blistering. Products containing glycerin are preferable to pure glycerin because of the risk of blistering associated with its use. Although glycerin appears to have few recorded adverse effects, it is a natural product, and allergic reactions are always possible. Just play it safe, friends.

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