When it comes to ingredients with positive cosmetic properties, glycerin is one of the most important products. The active ingredient, also known as glycerol, is differentiated between animal and plant origin. Both variants are often used in cosmetics, which is why you should keep a close eye on their origin. In this article we will also introduce you to the other applications in more detail and show you what you need to consider.
Many fields of application thanks to the intensive effect of glycerin
Glycerin has not only been able to hold its own over time in cosmetic products. The active ingredient is also found in animal feed, shisha tobacco, medication or antifreeze and can impress with its positive properties. Glycerin has already established itself as an ingredient in many areas when it comes to an intensive effect in everyday life.
But over time, glycerin has also earned a permanent place in various care products and is now hard to imagine without. This applies, for example, to numerous creams, but also to serums, toothpaste or shampoos. In most cases, vegetable glycerin is used in this case, while conventional glycerin from petroleum is used in the pharmaceutical and food industries. However, there can be exceptions, which is why it is worth taking a look at the ingredients.
This cosmetic use is ideal for glycerin
From a cosmetic perspective, there are many reasons why glycerin is good in your cosmetics. Glycerin is a good choice, especially for the care of dry skin, to provide more moisture and increase natural elasticity. The following effects are therefore very important with glycerin in order to strengthen your skin and rely on it being used well:
- Strengthening your skin's natural elasticity
- Formation of a protective barrier for your skin structure
- Increasing the soft skin feel for the complexion
- Active moisturization for dry skin
- Deep penetration for an always long-term effect
The purpose for which you want to use the glycerin is of course up to you. However, the moisturizing effect becomes a crucial property for you, especially if you have dry or easily irritated skin. This means you no longer have to put up with the discomfort on the surface of the skin, but instead ensure a better feeling on the skin with pleasant and soft structures.
With the right dose for an intensive treatment of the skin
Depending on the method of use, the recommended dose for glycerin also differs. With a proportion of between two and five percent, you can usually rely on good and, above all, safe compatibility with your skin. However, when it comes to products for cleansing your skin, a dosage of between five and ten percent is also possible. When using glycerin as an ingredient in your shampoo, a dosage of three percent is usual.
Especially for the first use of glycerin in cosmetics, we recommend starting with a rather low concentration. Even though the active ingredient is generally suitable for all skin types, you can determine the exact effects on your skin much more precisely. This makes it easy for you to test the effects of glycerin and optimize your routines.
The high water binding ability is an important property
Due to its ability to bind water, the skin usually appears even fresher and more vital after treatment with glycerin. This makes it easy for you to avoid drying out your skin and to benefit from glycerin even if you have sensitive skin types. This makes glycerol a good choice, especially for use in cosmetics, to improve natural skin protection and optimize moisture supply. Not only for the skin, but also for the cosmetics themselves, glycerin prevents them from drying out quickly.
Why is glycerin criticized as a component of cosmetics?
Even though glycerin basically binds moisture and maintains the skin's feeling of freshness, the opposite effect can also occur when the humidity is low. It is entirely possible that the skin dries out from the inside and loses its elasticity. Not only the glycerin alone, but above all the combination with other ingredients becomes a decisive disadvantage. Therefore, keep an eye on the compound in which the glycerin occurs.
The production of glycerin is also viewed very critically. While animal glycerin is obtained from animal fats, conventional glycerin is based on petroleum. But even what appears to be ecologically sustainable organic glycerin is based on palm oil and therefore does not have a very positive effect on the environment. So skin-friendliness only becomes a clear advantage to a limited extent.
Glycerin is already found most often in these cosmetics
The use of glycerin extends to many areas of everyday life. In the cosmetic context, these are primarily products for dry skin, but also hydrating serums and creams. The moisture-binding effect is primarily the decisive property in order to protect the skin from excessive drying and at the same time increase its elasticity. If intensive and clearly noticeable use is important to you, glycerin is guaranteed to be an optimal choice.
When it comes to caring for your hair and scalp, glycerin is also used in shampoos and similar products. Moisturizing and its effect on your skin also play an important role when washing off the shampoo under water. It is not uncommon for glycerin as an ingredient to permanently contribute to softer hair and impress with its properties.
Our ingredient lexicon as an exciting and precise overview
Apart from glycerin in cosmetics, there are a number of practical active ingredients that you can use to improve the appearance of your skin. Compared to glycerin, the origin of these is certainly environmentally friendly and will not be a source of danger for you. In this regard, please take a look at the many other herbal active ingredients and ingredients in our directory. These provide optimal relief for the numerous cosmetic products and ensure long-term effectiveness.
