Glycerine

Glycerine: A Key Moisturizing Agent 

Glycerine is a colorless, viscous, and odorless liquid with a sweet taste and serves as one of the most effective moisturizing agents, extensively used in skincare products. That’s why it is also referred to as a humectant. It is derived naturally from fats and oils using a process called saponification. This alcohol compound when diluted with water works as a great moisturizer, and healer, and prevents further damage to the skin. 
 

Key Benefits of Glycerine 

• Excellent Moisturizer: Glycerine helps keep skin hydrated for a long time by attracting and holding moisture. 
• Protects Skin: It protects the skin by holding the moisture that keeps skin soft and creating barriers on the skin to prevent damage from environmental aggressors. 
• Offers Soothing Effect: Glycerine offers a soothing effect on the skin and reduces the symptoms of dryness, itchiness, and skin irritation. 
• Do Not Clog Pores: Glycerine can even be used on skin that is prone to acne, as it does not clog the pores. 
• Versatile: This alcohol compound is a versatile option for various skincare products including moisturizers, cleansers, etc. 
• Compatibility: Glycerin is compatible with the majority of skincare ingredients. Not only improve their efficacy but also make the formulation skin-friendly. 
• Offers Long Shelf Life: Glycerine has a long shelf life and its effects do not fade away with time. Thus, it helps maintain the efficacy of skincare products for a long time. 
• Non-toxic: Glycerine is derived from natural sources and it is safe for sensitive and dry skin types. 
• Hair Care: It is also used in hair care products as it offers hydration and conditioning effects on the skin. 
• Wound Healing Effect: Glycerine can be referred to as a magical ingredient that nature offers. It helps keep the injured area and promotes the regeneration of skin cells. 
   

Applications of Glycerine
 

• Skincare 

Glycerine is used extensively in the skin care industry as an essential ingredient offering moisturizing, soothing, and many other skin-friendly properties in moisturizers, lotions, creams, serums, etc. Even select soaps have glycerine to have skin-soothing qualities. 

• Cosmetics

Glycerine is essentially used in cosmetic products to offer distinct texture, hydrating effect, and smoothness. Products including lip balms, foundations, etc are produced with glycerine. 

• Pharmaceuticals

Glycerine is commonly used in pharmaceutical products to preserve, and sweeten cough syrups and many kinds of oral medications. 

• Food & Beverage

This compound is extensively procured in the food & beverage industry because of its sweetening effect, humectant quality, and as a solvent agent for baked goods, candies, and kinds of dairy products. 

• Personal Care Products 

Glycerine is most commonly used in personal care products including toothpaste, hair care range, mouthwash, etc due to its moisturizing properties and viscosity. 

• Industrial Applications 

Glycerine is sourced for various industrial processes due to its thickening property and long shelf life for producing lubricants. It also serves as a solvent during chemical synthesis. 

• Tobacco Industry 

Glycerine is used in manufacturing tobacco products to retain the moisturizing effect, improve flavor, and enhance the smoke quality. 

• Textile Industry 

Glycerine is essentially sourced in the textile industry. It helps to make fabrics soft, improves the dyeing process, and stops the generation of static electricity during the process. 

• Automotive Industry 

Glycerine is extensively used in the automotive industry for producing antifreeze and coolants, which lowers the water freezing point and protects the engine from damage in low temperatures. 

Types of Glycerine 
 

• Natural Glycerine

Glycerine derived naturally is also called vegetable glycerine, which is procured from plants such as coconut oil, palm oil, soybeans, etc. This compound is extracted through a process called saponification. Industries such as skin care, cosmetics, and food, resource natural glycerine in large quantities. 

• Synthetic Glycerine 

Synthetic Glycerine is very well known as chemical or synthetic glycerine. This type of glycerine is produced through photochemical sources, including propylene and more. It is obtained through a process called chemical synthesis. It is extensively used in pharma, chemical, and automotive industries. 

• Crude Glycerine

Crude Glycerine is derived from the biodiesel production process, as it is the byproduct. In this process the triglycerides procured from vegetable oil and animal fats are transformed into biodiesel and crude glycerine is also extracted. After this, the crude glycerine remains impure and requires further refining before being used in the manufacturing processes of various products. 

How to Use Glycerine on Your Face? 
 

Applying glycerine the right way can offer moisturizing and soothing effects on your skin. Here’s how you can use it: 

• Dilute it 

You can’t use highly concentrated Glycerine on your skin, dilute it with water before applying it to your face. To create a diluted solution you should follow the precise directions: mix 1 part of the glycerine with three parts water. 

• Patch Test 

Doing a patch test will keep you safe, as it is done to test your skin compatibility. Although glycerine is safe to use for all skin types, you should apply it to a small portion of your face to check for any allergic reactions or minor symptoms like skin irritation or redness. 

• Clean Your Face 

Before starting, clean your face thoroughly to remove dirt, impurities, or your makeup. Only then apply the diluted glycerine to the face. 

• Use Glycerine Solution

Now take the diluted glycerine in small quantities on your fingertips or cotton and start applying it gently like massaging it on your face. Just avoid your delicate eyes. 

• Let it Absorb 

Let the glycerine solution be absorbed by your skin. For this, you will have to wait for 10-15 minutes or leave it as it is overnight and then rinse it off in the morning. This will help efficiently moisturize your skin. 

• Extra Layer of Moisturizer 

After using the glycerine, apply the moisturizer to your skin. This will enhance the hydration effect and keep your skin soft and lively. 

• Repeat 

Diluted glycerine can be applied twice a day on the face. But it totally depends on your skin type. However, in the start use it less frequently and observe how your skin is reacting in the initial days. 

• Sun Protection 

After using glycerine, to maintain the healthy effects make sure you protect your skin from the Sun. Use good quality sunscreen during the day after applying the glycerine in the morning.