Glycerin, chemically known as glycerol, is a trihydric alcohol that occurs naturally in fats and oils in the form of glycerides and is one of the most important biochemical substances in living organisms. Glycerin is a clear, colourless, odourless, non-alkaline, thick liquid with a sweet taste. It is hygroscopic, meaning it can attract and absorb moisture from its surroundings, and this property makes it widely used in many industries, especially pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
One of glycerin's key properties is its ability to attract and retain moisture effectively, which makes it a valuable ingredient in many skin care products. Glycerin acts as a humectant: it draws moisture from the environment and helps keep the skin hydrated. This is especially important in dry skin care, as glycerin can help reduce flaking and cracking and lower transepidermal water loss, which is important for maintaining the skin's barrier function.
The role of glycerin in cosmetics
Glycerin is one of the key ingredients in the cosmetics industry, valued for its unique properties and its positive effect on skin and hair. It is not only hygroscopic – effectively attracting and retaining moisture – but also has osmotic properties that make it a very important ingredient in many cosmetic products.
Glycerin plays several roles in cosmetics. First, it acts as a humectant, drawing moisture from the air to the surface of the skin and helping keep the skin hydrated. This is especially important for dry, dehydrated or mature skin, as glycerin helps prevent dryness and flaking and can also help reduce fine lines and improve skin texture. Thanks to its moisturising properties, glycerin is found in many face and body moisturisers, lotions, face masks and even hair care products.
Second, glycerin can help strengthen the skin barrier. A healthy skin barrier is essential to protect the skin from external factors such as pollution, bacteria and allergens, and it helps prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Glycerin helps strengthen this barrier, preserving the skin's health and resilience.
Third, glycerin is used as a skin conditioner, making the skin smooth and soft. This is especially important in products for sensitive skin, as glycerin is non-irritating and non-allergenic, so it suits even sensitive skin and can help reduce irritation and inflammation.
Glycerin is also a valuable ingredient in hair care. It helps hair retain moisture and gives it softness and shine. Particularly beneficial for dry, damaged hair, glycerin can help restore its health and strength.
Face care
Glycerin is often used in face care products, especially moisturising creams and serums for dry or dehydrated skin. It effectively draws moisture from the environment to the surface of the skin, helping keep it hydrated. This matters for the health and appearance of the skin, as hydrated skin looks healthier and younger. Glycerin can also be used in soothing products for sensitive or irritated skin, as it reduces irritation and calms inflammation.
Body care
In body lotions and creams, glycerin is important because it keeps the skin moist and soft. Products containing glycerin are ideal for dry, rough or flaky skin, as they help restore the skin's moisture balance and soften it. Glycerin is also used in hand creams to help protect the skin on the hands from drying out and cracking, especially in winter or with frequent hand washing.
Hair care
In hair care products such as shampoos and conditioners, glycerin helps hair retain moisture and gives it softness and shine. It is especially beneficial for dry, damaged or curly hair that needs extra hydration to keep a healthy look and texture.
Lip care
Glycerin is used in lip balms and glosses for its ability to keep the lips moisturised, preventing dryness and cracking. It makes the lips soft and smooth and also helps lipstick or gloss last longer.
Eye care
Some eye care products, such as eye gels and creams, use glycerin to moisturise the delicate skin around the eyes. Glycerin helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles and the appearance of under-eye bags and dark circles.
In conclusion, glycerin is an important and versatile ingredient in many categories of cosmetics, helping keep skin and hair hydrated, soft and healthy-looking.
Our recommendation. For sensitive, dry skin on the hands, choose Eubos Sensitive Hand Repair & Care cream with glycerin, panthenol and urea.
Sources
- PubMed
- ScienceDirect
- Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
- International Journal of Cosmetic Science
# glycerin
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