Glycerin

Glycerin

Glycerine, also known as glycerol, is a simple polyol compound that has played a significant role in various industries due to its versatile properties. Its history dates back to the late 18th century when it was first discovered by accident.

Discovery

Glycerine was accidentally discovered in 1779 by Carl Wilhelm Scheele, a Swedish pharmacist and chemist. Scheele was heating olive oil with litharge (lead oxide) when he noticed the formation of a sweet-tasting substance, which he named "Olsüss" (oil sweet). This substance was later identified as glycerine.

Early Uses

Initially, glycerine was primarily a byproduct of the soap-making process, which involves the saponification of fats and oils. It wasn't until the 19th century that glycerine's unique properties, such as its humectant and solvent capabilities, began to be valued in their own right.

Modern Applications

Today, glycerine is widely used in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and more, thanks to its moisturizing, solvent, and emollient properties. Its ability to retain water and its non-toxic nature make it a valuable ingredient in numerous products.

Molecular Elements

Glycerine, also known as glycerol, is a simple molecule composed of three elements: carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O). Its molecular formula is C3H8O3. The structure of glycerine features a three-carbon chain with each carbon atom attached to a hydroxyl group (–OH). These hydroxyl groups are responsible for glycerine's hygroscopic nature, meaning it can attract and retain water molecules from its surroundings.

Effects

Glycerine, with its unique molecular structure, offers a wide range of beneficial effects across various applications, particularly in skincare, pharmaceuticals, and food industries.

1. Moisturizing: Glycerine is a powerful humectant, which means it draws moisture from the environment into the skin. This property helps maintain the skin's water balance, keeping it hydrated and soft.
2. Barrier Protection: By attracting water to the skin, glycerine also helps to reinforce the skin's barrier function. This effect can protect the skin from environmental sources of irritation and reduce the risk of dryness and dermatitis.
3. Skin Healing: Glycerine can accelerate the skin's healing processes, aiding in the repair of damaged skin. Its moisturizing effect also contributes to reducing the visibility of wrinkles and fine lines by plumping the skin.
4. Enhancing Skin Penetration: In pharmaceuticals and skincare, glycerine is used as a solvent and carrier, enhancing the penetration of other active ingredients into the skin, thereby increasing their efficacy.
5. Lubrication: Glycerine has lubricating properties, making it a popular ingredient in personal care products, including lotions, soaps, and toothpaste, where it improves product texture and application.
6. Stabilizing Effects: In food and beverages, glycerine serves as a sweetener, preservative, and thickener. It helps maintain moisture in baked goods, prolonging their shelf life, and can stabilize food colors and flavors.
7. Protection Against Freezing: Glycerine's physical properties include a high boiling point and freezing point depression, making it useful in preventing freezing in hydraulic and brake fluids, as well as in food products like ice cream.
8. Medical Applications: In medical and pharmaceutical formulations, glycerine is used as a means to improve smoothness, provide lubrication, and offer a mild laxative effect when ingested.

Side Effects

While glycerine is generally safe and well-tolerated, especially when used topically in skincare and cosmetic products, there are some potential side effects to be aware of, particularly with excessive or improper use.

Skin Irritation

In rare cases, people with very sensitive skin might experience irritation, redness, or a rash from glycerine, especially if used in high concentrations.

Allergic Reactions

Although uncommon, allergic reactions to glycerine can occur, leading to symptoms such as itching, swelling, and dermatitis in individuals with specific sensitivities.

Over-Hydration

When used in very humid environments, glycerine can draw too much moisture to the skin, potentially leading to over-hydration. This can result in a sticky feeling on the skin or disruption of the skin's natural barrier function.

Dehydration

Conversely, in extremely dry conditions, glycerine may draw moisture away from the deeper layers of the skin if the air lacks humidity, possibly leading to skin dehydration.

Gastrointestinal Issues

When ingested in large amounts, glycerine can act as a laxative and cause gastrointestinal discomfort, including diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

Vegan Status

The vegan status of glycerine depends on its source. Glycerine, a trihydroxy alcohol, can be derived from both animal fats and plant oils, making its vegan status contingent on its origin. When sourced from animal fats, it is not considered vegan. However, glycerine can also be derived from plant-based oils, such as soy, palm, and coconut, or synthesized from petrochemicals, all of which are vegan-friendly sources.

pH Level

Glycerine is a neutral, non-ionic compound with a pH close to 7, which means it can maintain its stability and efficacy across a broad pH spectrum.

Optimal pH Levels to Work

1. Skin Care Products: The skin's natural pH ranges from about 4.7 to 5.75, slightly acidic, to maintain the skin's barrier function and microbial balance. Skincare products, including those with glycerine, are typically formulated to match or be close to this pH range to support skin health. Glycerine works well in this pH range, enhancing hydration without disrupting the skin's natural pH balance.
2. Hair Care Products: Hair care products containing glycerine, such as shampoos and conditioners, can vary in pH from slightly acidic to neutral. The slightly acidic pH helps to smooth the hair's cuticle, while glycerine provides hydration and softness.
3. Personal Care Products: Glycerine is also used in personal care products like toothpaste, which can have a wider pH range. Its role in such products is often to add sweetness, act as a humectant, or improve texture, and it performs effectively regardless of the pH.

Syenrgy

Glycerine exhibits synergistic effects when combined with various skincare and cosmetic ingredients, enhancing both its own effectiveness and the benefits of other components. This synergy can lead to improved hydration, skin repair, and overall skin health.

Hyaluronic Acid

Both glycerine and hyaluronic acid are powerful humectants that attract water into the skin. When used together, they can provide even more significant hydration, drawing moisture from the air and locking it into the skin for a plumping effect.

Related:Why Your Hyaluronic Acid May Not Work, According To Its Renowned Effects.

Ceramides

Glycerine enhances the effectiveness of ceramides by helping to restore the skin's barrier. Ceramides work to protect the skin's natural moisture barrier, while glycerine provides the hydration needed to maintain it, leading to healthier, more resilient skin.

Related:Ceramides

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

Niacinamide works to reduce inflammation and even out skin tone, while glycerine provides essential hydration. Together, they can help improve skin texture, reduce pores, and diminish the appearance of fine lines.

Related:Niacinamide

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs)

AHAs and BHAs are exfoliants that remove dead skin cells, promoting cell renewal. Glycerine works in synergy with these acids by soothing and hydrating the newly revealed skin, minimizing potential irritation and dryness.

Related:Learn More About AHAs, and BHAs.

Antioxidants (Vitamin C and Vitamin E)

Glycerine complements antioxidants by maintaining skin hydration, which is crucial for the skin's repair process. Antioxidants protect the skin from free radical damage, while glycerine ensures the skin remains hydrated and healthy, enhancing the skin's natural healing process.

Related:Going Deep About Topical Vitamin E

Related:I was wrong about Vitaminc C on Skins. How to glow up your skin with Vitamin C.

Combination to Avoid

Tthere are a few scenarios where caution might be warranted when combining glycerine with certain topical ingredients, primarily due to differences in intended effects or potential for irritation in sensitive individuals.

Strong Drying Agents

While glycerine itself is not typically problematic, combining it with strong drying agents (such as high concentrations of alcohols or astringents) might counteract its hydrating benefits. In formulations designed to aggressively remove oil and moisture, glycerine's ability to draw moisture to the skin could be diminished, potentially leading to imbalanced skin hydration levels.

Certain Types of Clay

Some facial masks or products containing highly absorbent clays (like bentonite or kaolin) are designed to draw out impurities and excess oil from the skin. When used in conjunction with glycerine, there might be a reduction in the efficacy of the clay's oil-absorbing properties, as glycerine aims to increase skin's moisture.

Highly Concentrated Acids in Short Contact Therapy

When using high concentrations of direct acids (such as glycolic, salicylic, or lactic acid) that are intended for short-contact therapy (applied briefly and then washed off), the inclusion of glycerine might not provide any added benefit and could potentially dilute the acid's effectiveness during its limited contact time with the skin.

For DYI skincare

Glycerine is a versatile and widely used ingredient in DIY skincare due to its excellent humectant properties, which help the skin retain moisture. It's beneficial for all skin types and can be easily incorporated into homemade skincare formulations.

Hydrating Face Mist

• Ingredients: Mix equal parts of glycerine and distilled water or rosewater. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for fragrance, if desired.
• Use: Spritz onto your face throughout the day for a hydrating boost, especially in dry environments.

Moisturizing Serum

• Ingredients: Combine 1 part glycerine with 4 parts aloe vera gel. Optionally, add vitamin E oil for its antioxidant properties.
• Use: Apply a thin layer to the face before your moisturizer to lock in extra moisture.

Gentle Exfoliating Scrub

• Ingredients: Mix glycerine with fine sugar and a bit of coconut oil to create a paste. You can also add a few drops of lavender essential oil for its calming properties.
• Use: Gently massage onto the skin in circular motions, then rinse off with warm water. This scrub exfoliates while glycerine helps maintain the skin's moisture.

Soothing Lip Balm

• Ingredients: Melt together equal parts of beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter. Once slightly cooled, add a small amount of glycerine and mix well.
• Use: Apply to lips as needed for moisture and protection. The glycerine will help keep lips hydrated.

Nourishing Hand Cream

• Ingredients: Mix glycerine with shea butter and a few drops of almond oil to create a rich hand cream. Adjust the amounts based on your desired consistency.
• Use: Massage into hands to soothe and moisturize dry skin, especially in cold weather.

Alternatives

Alternative Ingredient	Key Benefits	Best For
Hyaluronic Acid	Deeply hydrates by drawing moisture from the environment; helps to reduce wrinkles and fine lines.	All skin types, especially aging or dry skin.
Sorbitol	Acts as a humectant similar to glycerine; less sticky, providing a smooth feel.	Products requiring a less tacky finish than glycerine, suitable for all skin types.
Propylene Glycol	Enhances the absorption of other ingredients into the skin; has hydrating properties.	Use in products for its penetration-enhancing properties, suitable for all skin types but use cautiously if sensitive.
Butylene Glycol	Improves texture of products; offers light hydration and helps dissolve ingredients that are hard to mix.	Skincare formulations requiring a lightweight, easily absorbed moisturizer.
Aloe Vera Gel	Provides soothing, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating benefits; contains vitamins and minerals.	Irritated, inflamed, or sunburned skin; suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive.
Honey	Natural humectant; offers antimicrobial and soothing properties; rich in antioxidants.	Natural skincare formulations, especially for acne-prone, dry, or sensitive skin.
Squalane	Mimics skin’s natural oils, providing deep moisture without feeling heavy or greasy.	Dry, aging, or sensitive skin; a non-irritating alternative for those who find glycerine too heavy.

Is Glycerine Bad?

A common misconception about glycerine in skincare and cosmetics is the idea that it is bad for your skin. This belief may stem from misunderstandings about how glycerine works or from experiences with poorly formulated products.

Hydration vs. Dehydration

Glycerine is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the environment into the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. Some believe that in dry environments, glycerine can draw moisture out of the skin, leading to dehydration. However, when used in well-formulated products and applied in typical indoor environments, glycerine is very unlikely to cause dehydration. Most products contain a balance of ingredients that lock in moisture, ensuring glycerine can do its job without adverse effects.

Pure Glycerine Concerns

Another source of the misconception might be the use of pure glycerine on the skin, which can feel sticky or tacky. This could be interpreted as glycerine being "bad" or uncomfortable to use. In reality, glycerine is rarely used in its pure form in skincare. It's typically formulated with other ingredients to enhance its benefits and improve skin feel.

Skin Type Misunderstandings

People with oily or acne-prone skin might avoid glycerine, fearing it will exacerbate their skin conditions. However, glycerine is non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. It provides hydration without adding oil to the skin, which is crucial for maintaining healthy skin barrier function.

Allergic Reactions

As with any skincare ingredient, there is always a possibility of an allergic reaction, but this is rare with glycerine. Its widespread use and the rarity of adverse reactions contribute to its reputation as a gentle and safe ingredient for most people.

Misconceptions

Misconceptions about glycerine extend beyond its effects on hydration and skin health. Here are additional myths and misunderstandings about glycerine, along with clarifications to provide a more accurate understanding.

Glycerine is Only for Dry Skin

Some believe glycerine is exclusively beneficial for dry skin types, thinking it might be too heavy or greasy for oily or combination skin. In reality, glycerine is a non-oily humectant that attracts water into the skin, making it suitable for all skin types. Its ability to hydrate without adding oil makes it beneficial even for oily and acne-prone skin.

Glycerine Can Clog Pores

There's a misconception that glycerine can clog pores and exacerbate acne. However, glycerine is non-comedogenic, meaning it does not block pores. Its hydrating properties can actually support the health of acne-prone skin by preventing the overproduction of oil that often occurs when the skin is dehydrated.

Glycerine is Synthetic and Harmful

Some people might confuse glycerine with synthetic ingredients that can be harsh on the skin. While glycerine can be derived from natural sources (such as vegetable oils) or synthesized, both forms are chemically identical and safe for use in skincare. Glycerine is widely regarded as gentle and beneficial for the skin.

Glycerine Loses Effectiveness Over Time

Another myth is that the skin can get used to glycerine, reducing its effectiveness with continued use. This is not the case; glycerine will continue to attract moisture to the skin regardless of how long you've been using it. Its effectiveness is not diminished over time, making it a reliable ingredient for long-term hydration.

Glycerine Attracts Insects

Some people worry that applying glycerine-based products will attract insects due to its sweet taste. While glycerine is indeed used in food and has a sweet taste, there is no evidence to suggest that topical application of glycerine on the skin attracts insects more than any other skincare product.

Glycerine Must Be Rinsed Off

There's a misconception that because glycerine is a humectant, it needs to be rinsed off the skin to prevent it from drawing out moisture. This is incorrect; glycerine is intended to be left on the skin to help draw moisture from the air and hydrate the skin over time. It does not need to be rinsed off after application.