Glycerin, which is sometimes referred to as glycerol, is a clear liquid that lacks both colour and odour and is utilised in a wide array of cosmetics and skincare items. Because it is a humectant, it draws moisture to the surface of the skin and helps to keep the skin hydrated and moisturised in the process. People have been applying pure glycerin or vegetable glycerin to their skin as a solo skincare product more frequently in recent years. This practise has gained popularity. Although while glycerin is known to have many positive effects on the skin, it is not necessarily vegan and requires other components in order to function effectively as a skincare product.
Advantages to applying glycerin on the skin
Glycerin has the ability to draw moisture to the skin, which helps to keep the skin hydrated and moisturised. Glycerin also has the ability to hydrate the skin. Those who suffer from dry skin or skin that is lacking in moisture may benefit from this in particular. Glycerin has the ability to improve the texture of the skin, making it smoother and more supple. This is one of the many benefits of using glycerin. Non-comedogenic: Glycerin is non-comedogenic, which means that it does not create breakouts and does not clog pores. Because of this, it is an excellent choice for people who have acne-prone skin.
Negative aspects of applying glycerin on the skin
Although vegetable glycerin is obtained from plants, glycerin can also be derived from animal sources such as tallow, therefore it is not always vegan. Vegetable glycerin is the only type of glycerin that comes from plant sources. Performance cannot be improved without additional components Glycerin, despite being an excellent humectant, cannot improve the performance of a skincare product without the addition of additional components. For instance, it needs to be used with occlusives and emollients to assist seal in the moisture and stop it from escaping through the skin. This helps prevent the moisture from being lost.
Whilst glycerin is usually thought to be safe for use on the skin, it is possible for it to irritate some people, particularly those with more sensitive skin. This is especially the case with persons who already have sensitive skin.
Why using glycerin on its own is not sufficient for skin care
As glycerin is a humectant, it brings moisture to the surface of the skin where it is applied. Yet, on its own, it does not have the power to maintain that water on the skin, and if there is not enough humidity in the air, it can actually suck moisture away from the skin. Because of this, it cannot function as an effective skincare solution without the addition of additional components. Emollients such as oils and butters help to soften and smooth the skin, while occlusives such as waxes and silicone aid to build a barrier that stops water from evaporating from the skin. Emollients and occlusives both work together to make the skin more supple and smooth.
Also, even if vegetable glycerin is an excellent alternative for people who wish to steer clear of components originating from animals, it is still necessary to combine it with other components in order for it to be useful. Glycerin in its pure form or vegetable glycerin that is applied to the skin without the addition of any other substances might actually have the opposite effect and cause the skin to become dry and flaky.
Despite the fact that glycerin acts as a humectant, which provides numerous benefits for the skin, it is not always vegan and it requires additional components in order to function effectively as a skincare product. In the event that you are considering applying glycerin to your skin, it is essential that you select a product that has a well-balanced combination of humectants, emollients, and occlusives. This will ensure that your skin remains hydrated, moisturised, and in good health.
To help lock in moisture and stop water from escaping through the skin, glycerin works best when combined with other skin care ingredients that are occlusive and emollient. The following is a list of common compounds that, when combined with glycerin, produce excellent results:
Emollients are compounds that serve to soften and smooth the skin, and its name comes from the word "emollient." Natural oils such as jojoba oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter.
The moisturising properties of glycerin can be increased by combining it with other humectants. Glycerin itself is a humectant, but adding other humectants to it can have an even greater impact. Hyaluronic acid, urea, and aloe vera are a few examples of typical humectants that work quite well when combined with glycerin.
Antioxidants: Antioxidants are helpful in preventing the damage that can be caused by free radicals to the skin. Vitamin E, extract from green tea, and coenzyme Q10 are just a few examples of typical antioxidants that go particularly well with glycerin.
In general, using a skincare product that has been carefully prepared and contains the appropriate proportions of humectants, emollients, and occlusives can assist in maintaining the hydration, moisture, and overall health of the skin.
