WORSHIP
3 min readFeb 19, 2022

GLYCERINE

Glycerol also called glycerine is a colourless, odourless, viscous liquid that is sweet-tasting and non-toxic. The glycerol backbone is found in lipids known as glycerides. Due to having antimicrobial and antiviral properties it is widely used in FDA approved wound and burn treatments. Owing to the presence of three hydroxyl groups, glycerol is miscible with water and is hygroscopic in nature.

Glycerine is great for the skin because it acts as a humectant, which is a substance that allows the skin to retain moisture. It can increase skin hydration, relieve dryness, and refresh the skin’s surface. Glycerine also has antimicrobial properties, which means it can protect the skin from harmful microorganisms.

Glycerine is used as a moisturizer to treat or prevent dry, rough, scaly, itchy skin and minor skin irritations; such as diaper rash and skin burns from radiation therapy. Emollients are substances that soften & moisturize the skin, decreases itching and flaking.

Glycerine cleanses the skin pores and removes dirt, reduces acne, keeping the skin healthy. Glycerine repairs damaged skin cells and keeps the skin hydrated throughout the day.

Glycerine soaps are considered among the most moisturizing soap types. The versatility of this type of soaps makes it both moisturizing and safe for all skin types. Glycerine soap is used by people with sensitive, easily irritated skin because it prevents skin dryness with its moisturizing properties. It draws moisture up through skin layers and slows or prevents excessive drying and evaporation.

Glycerine is very gentle on skin because it is a neutral pH 7, whereby it has the same pH as water. Soaps that contain glycerine have lower pH’s and are generally more mild and gentle on skin. Pure glycerine soap is all-natural, as it doesn’t contain alcohol, fragrances, or other chemical-based ingredients that could irritate skin. This makes glycerine soap vegan-friendly and a great option for people with sensitive skin.

Glycerine soap for hair is an excellent bet, especially on dry hair, as glycerine soap helps protect the hair’s natural oils and retains moisture, encountering oily hair and dandruff.

Glycerine helps moisturize aging skin by not only providing moisture, but by pulling it from its second layer. This will tighten and firm the look and provide a fresh and revitalized appearance by diminishing and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

There are two types of glycerine: natural glycerine derived from oils and fats from such, sources as coconuts and oil palms, and synthetic glycerine derived from petroleum.

Natural glycerine is not a chemical or alcohol; it is derived from plant-based oils. It has hygroscopic properties, meaning it absorbs moisture and if left alone, would absorb up to 20% of its weight in water. That’s how it keeps the skin wonderfully moist, as it is derived from oils of many types.

Glycerine, however, can be used to beautify skin without the side effects of harsher products. Also, glycerine is oil-free and non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. Clogged pores lead to breakouts, so glycerine for oily skin may be the right solution.

Glycerine is mildly antimicrobial and antiviral and is an FDA approved treatment for wounds. Glycerine is used in medical, pharmaceutical and personal care preparations, often as a means of improving smoothness, providing lubrication, and as a humectant.

The Red Cross reports that an 85% solution of glycerine shows bactericidal and antiviral effects, and wounds treated with glycerine show reduced inflammation after roughly 2 hours. Due to this it is used widely in wound care products, including glycerine based hydrogel sheets for burns and other wound care.

Research shows that glycerine application on skin may gradually improve its smoothness and suppleness, increasing skin hydration in as few as 10 days.

COURTSEY: WORSHIPCOSMETIC.COM