Glycerin, also known as glycerol, is probably one of the least glamorous cosmetic ingredients but is one of the most used compound in the skincare industry. This multi-purpose foundational ingredient has throughly earned its widespread use with a long history of safe and effect use in beauty. These days you can find glycerin in almost everything from high-end luxury skincare to budget-friendly drugstore products. In this article, we’re going to explore what exactly is glycerin, its skin and hair benefits as well as how to use it in your skincare routine. We’ll also compare it against natural and synthetic glycerin alternatives.
What is Glycerin & How Does it Work?
Glycerin is a natural humectant that is derived from both plant and animal fats. It has a unique ability to attract and retain moisture. Glycerin has a long and rich history in beauty and skincare. Discovered in 1779 by Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele, it was initially a byproduct of soap making. By the mid-19th century, glycerin gained recognition for its impressive moisturising properties and began appearing in a range of cosmetics and personal care products. Throughout the 20th century, it became a staple in the beauty industry due to its versatility and efficacy. This is mainly due to its deep hydrating properties which make glycerin an essential component for boosting skin moisture, combating dryness and maintaining a radiant complexion.
The secret to glycerin’s effectiveness lies in its molecular structure. Glycerin has three hydroxyl groups that attract and bind water molecules. This quality allows glycerin to draw moisture from both the environment and deeper layers of the skin to the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of skin. By keeping the skin hydrated, glycerin supports a healthy skin barrier. This is essential for protecting against environmental stressors, allergens and pollutants. Additionally, glycerin is well-tolerated by most skin types including those with sensitive skin.
There are several ways to produce glycerin. The most common methods are saponification and hydrolysis of plant or animal fats and oils. In the soap-making process, fats (mainly animal) are mixed with an alkali which results in soap and glycerin forms as a byproduct. Another production method is transesterification. This is where plant oils are reacted with alcohol to yield glycerin and biodiesel. Most glycerin in skincare today is derived from vegetable oils like coconut, palm or soy.
Benefits of Glycerin for Skin & Hair
Glycerin offers numerous benefits for the skin and hair. Its main value in skincare is providing long-lasting hydration without a greasy finish. Here are some of the key benefits of glycerin on skin:
- Deep Hydration: Glycerin is a powerful humectant that draws moisture from the environment, locking it into your skin. If you struggle with dry or flaky skin, glycerin helps restore moisture balance. This leaves your skin softer and plumper.
- Skin Barrier Support: Another benefit of glycerin is that it strengthens the skin’s natural barrier to shield it from environmental aggressors and irritants. This is particularly beneficial for those with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema.
- Improved Skin Texture: Glycerin’s ability to retain moisture makes the skin feel smoother and more supple. Consistent use of glycerin-rich products can help reduce rough patches and promote a more even skin tone.
- Healing & Soothing: Last but not least, glycerin also has soothing properties. It can be helpful for calming minor irritations or inflammation. As such glycerin skincare can help alleviate redness, itching and heals cracked skin.
Additionally, glycerin also offers a number of notable benefits for hair health. Here are the key benefits of glycerin haircare products:
- Hydration for Dry Hair: Glycerin locks moisture into hair strands. This makes it beneficial for dry or brittle hair.
- Frizz Control: By retaining moisture, glycerin helps manage frizz. It can make hair smoother and easier to style.
- Scalp Health: A healthy scalp is key to beautiful hair. Glycerin soothes dryness and helps maintain scalp balance. This reduces itchiness and dandruff.
How to Use Glycerin in Your Skincare Routine
Glycerin is a versatile ingredient that can easily fit into different skincare routines, regardless of your skin type. Whether you’re dealing with dry patches, looking to boost hydration or want a gentle solution for sensitive skin, glycerin is an excellent choice. Here are our top tips for the best way to use glycerin in your skincare routine:
- Choose the Right Glycerin Product for Your Skin Type: If you have oily or combination skin, opt for lighter formulations containing glycerin, such as toners, essences or gel-based moisturisers. These products will help hydrate your skin without leaving a heavy or greasy finish. Those with dry skin will benefit most from richer glycerin-based balms or creamy moisturisers. These products help deeply nourish the skin and lock in moisture for longer periods to reduce the appearance of dryness and flakiness.
- Layering with Other Ingredients: Glycerin pairs well with other hydrating and barrier-strengthening ingredients. Try combining glycerin with hyaluronic acid for enhanced hydration or layering it with ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier. Apply glycerin-based serums or toners before your thicker moisturisers to lock in hydration.
- Spot Treatment: If you have specific areas prone to dryness, such as around the nose, elbows or knees, apply a glycerin-based cream directly to these spots. Glycerin’s ability to attract and retain moisture can help soften these stubborn dry patches and restore skin elasticity.
- Using Glycerin with Occlusives: This helps prevent glycerin from pulling moisture away from the deeper layers of your skin in low-humidity conditions. After applying glycerin, follow with an occlusive product such as a facial oil or a rich cream. This helps seal in the hydration and enhances glycerin’s effectiveness.
How to Use Glycerin in Haircare
Whether you’re dealing with dryness, frizz, or a flaky scalp, glycerin can help improve the health and appearance of your hair. Here are our top tips for the best ways to starting using glycerin in your haircare routine:
- Leave-In Conditioners & Hair Masks: Look for leave-in conditioners or hair masks that contain glycerin. These products are great for keeping hair hydrated between washes and reducing frizz. Apply a glycerin-rich leave-in conditioner to damp hair to maintain hydration throughout the day, especially in dry or humid climates. You can also give your regular conditioner a hydrating boost by adding a few drops of pure glycerin to it before applying it to your hair.
- Styling Products: Glycerin is great for managing frizz, especially in humid weather where moisture imbalance often leads to puffiness and flyaways. Apply a glycerin-based styling product or serum to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair to tame frizz while adding shine.
- Scalp Treatment: If you experience scalp dryness or flakiness, a glycerin scalp treatment can help. Mix a few drops of glycerin with water or aloe vera gel and massage it gently into your scalp before rinsing. Glycerin helps restore moisture balance and soothes irritation, promoting a healthier scalp environment.
Safety & Risks
Although glycerin is generally safe for most people, like anything in life nothing is risk free. These are some of the potential risks and side effects you should be aware of:
- Sensitivity or Allergy: Though rare, some people may experience skin sensitivity or an allergic reaction when using glycerin. Symptoms can include redness, itching, or a burning sensation. If you experience these, discontinue use and seek medical help.
- Clogged Pores: Glycerin in heavy formulations may contribute to clogged pores for those with acne-prone skin. Opt for lightweight glycerin products if you have oily skin or acne.
- Dry Skin: In low-humidity environments, glycerin may draw moisture from deeper layers of the skin, leading to dryness. To avoid this, use glycerin alongside occlusives to lock in moisture.
Additionally, individuals with certain skin conditions, such as rosacea or eczema, need to exercise more caution before using glycerin-rich products as they may exacerbate symptoms. If you have sensitive skin or underlying skin conditions, consult with your medical provider before incorporating glycerin into your routine.
Alternatives to Glycerin in Skincare
Although glycerin is a fantastic, cheap and widely available humectant, it may not be for everyone. Some people don’t like the feel of glycerin or have not tolerated it well in the past. Others may be put off by environmental concerns related to the use of palm oil in glycerin production, which can contribute to deforestation and habitat loss. Whatever the reason, if glycerin doesn’t seem like the right fit for your skin and hair needs, there are several alternatives. The main alternatives to glycerin include:
- Hyaluronic Acid: This is a naturally occurring molecule that can hold up to a 1000X its weight in water. It plays a key role in maintaining skin hydration. Hyaluronic acid provides intense hydration without feeling sticky and is excellent for plumping the skin and reducing fine lines. However, it is often more expensive than glycerin and may be less effective in low-humidity conditions, where it needs ambient moisture to function optimally.
- Aloe Vera: This plant-derived ingredient known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties making it ideal for sensitive, sunburned or irritated skin. Aloe vera is not as strong of a humectant compared with glycerin, so it often needs to be paired with other hydrating ingredients for deeper moisture.
- Sodium PCA: A naturally occurring humectant found in the skin, sodium PCA is effective at moisture retention. Sodium PCA is non-greasy and lightweight, making it a great alternative to glycerin for oily or combination skin types. However, it may not be as easily available in over-the-counter products. Also the effects may not be as long-lasting in very dry environments.
- Propylene Glycol: This is a synthetic humectant helps draw water into the skin and improves product texture. Propylene glycol is less sticky and absorbs more quickly than glycerin so is a great alternative for those who dislike heavier textures. A downside though is that it may cause irritation for individuals with sensitive skin.
- Honey: A natural humectant, honey also has antibacterial and healing properties. Honey has been used for centuries for its moisturising and healing benefits. It is ideal for irritated or acne-prone skin. However, honey is sticky and not vegan which makes it less useful an alternative to glycerin.
Glycerin is an unsung skincare ingredient that offers numerous benefits for both skin and hair. Its ability to attract and retain moisture makes it a must-have for those struggling with dryness, irritation or frizz. Due to its widespread availability, it is relatively easy to add glycerin to your skin and hair routines to reap its benefits for a healthier radiant complexion and smoother glossier hair. For those not keen on glycerin, there are also a number of good alternatives that can offer similar benefits.
At City Skin clinic, we are passionate about personalised skincare. Through our virtual skin clinic, our doctors provide safe and effective treatments containing ingredients like Tretinoin and Hydroquinone where appropriate. We treat skin conditions like acne, hyperpigmentation, melasma and skin ageing. To start your personalised skincare protocol, book a virtual video consultation or use our online consultation form. The journey towards great skin starts here.
