In a 2014 review of cosmetic ingredients it was found that glycerin is the third most commonly used ingredient reported in cosmetics. In first place is water and second is fragrances.

Increasingly popular and recognized as a main ingredient in moisturizers and lotions, studies show that glycerin can positively affect the skin in several ways.

Glycerin and your skin
Glycerin can:
 

● moisturize the outer layer of the skin (stratum corneum)      

● improves the barrier function of the skin and the mechanical properties of the skin      

● provide protection against skin irritants      

● accelerate wound healing processes      

 

What do you need to know about glycerin soap?
What is glycerin?
Glycerin, or glycerol, is derived from vegetable oils. It also occurs naturally in fermented products such as beer, wine, and bread.

This ingredient was "accidentally" discovered in 1779 by a Swedish chemist by heating a mixture of olive oil. He identified the resulting fat as glycerin.

Since the middle of the 19th century, people have used glycerin to make soap. This process involves heating certain vegetable oils and allowing the solution to cool and harden into a bar form.

What benefits does glycerin soap offer?
Pure glycerin soap is completely natural . It contains no alcohol, fragrances or other chemical ingredients that can irritate the skin.

This makes glycerin soap "vegan" and a great option for people with sensitive skin.

Your skin's natural oils are often removed during the bathing process, either from hot water or harsh products. Glycerin can help lock in the skin's natural moisture and prevent it from becoming dry.

This can be especially beneficial if you have dryness problems, which include:
 

● acne      

● dermatitis (eczema)      

● dry skin      

● psoriasis      

● rosacea      

 

On the other hand, glycerin is non-greasy, so it is a good choice for anyone with oil or combination skin.

Glycerin has anti-aging benefits. According to a mouse study reported in Science Daily, the ingredient can help even out skin tone and texture. This can reduce the appearance of fine lines and other surface blemishes.

Is it really hypoallergenic?
Glycerin is considered non-toxic and environmentally friendly. But this does not necessarily mean that it is hypoallergenic.

"Hypoallergenic" is a term that means that a particular product is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. The Food and Drug Administration does not recognize this attribute or regulate how this term is used.

In this way, cosmetic manufacturers can label their products as hypoallergenic without having any scientific evidence to support their claim.

While pure glycerin is not likely to cause an allergic reaction, any ingredients added in MNSRM (Non Prescription Medicinal Products) products can. The only way to determine the risk of allergy is to do a test before making a full application.

To test:
 

  1. Apply a small amount of your chosen soap product to the inside of your forearm.
  2. Clean and wash the area as instructed.
  3. Wait a day or two to see if any symptoms develop.
  4. If you don't experience any irritation or inflammation, it should be safe to use on other parts of the body.

 

 How does glycerin work?
Glycerin is a humectant, a moisturizing agent that pulls water into the outer layer of the skin from deeper levels of the skin and air.

In skin products, glycerin is commonly used with an occluder, another type of moisturizing agent, to retain the moisture it attracts to the skin.

According to a 2016 study by Trust Source, glycerin is "the most effective humectant" compared to several others, including:

 

● alpha-hydroxy acids, such as lactic acid and glycolic acid      

● hyaluronic acid      

● propylene glycol and butylene glycol      

● sorbitol      

● urea      


Can glycerin irritate my skin?
As a humectant, glycerin draws water from the nearest source. Especially in low humidity conditions, the nearest source of water is the lowest levels of the skin. This can dehydrate the skin, to the point of blistering.

For this reason, pure glycerin should be diluted before using it on the face and skin.

Many natural cosmetics advocates recommend diluting glycerin with rose water, as rose water hydrates the skin and refines pores. A 2011 study by Trust Source found that rose had positive antioxidant effects on the skin.

A recent Trust Source study found that a combination of glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and Centella asiatica extract improves the skin's barrier function for up to 24 hours after application.

Are there any side effects?
While there don't seem to be many reported side effects, glycerin is a natural product, there is always potential for an allergic reaction.

If you experience redness, itching or a rash on your skin, stop using the product immediately. Look for an alternative product that does not contain glycerin, and be sure to read the labels carefully.

Other glycerin uses
Besides being a humectant, glycerin is used as:

 

● hyperosmotic laxatives (pulling water into the intestines to treat constipation)      

● vehicle for numerous pharmaceutical preparations      

● sweetening agent      

● thickening agent      

● condom      

 
At Mipmed you will find these glycerin soaps and others with other properties:
 


Catarina Vilela - Nurse