Glycerin is an ally of skin and hair beauty

You have certainly heard of or seen the presence of glycerin in the composition of some product. It is widely used, for example, in soaps. But do you know why?

After all, what is glycerin? What benefits does it offer to the skin? Can it also be used on hair? These are just a few questions on the subject.

Helena Costa, dermatologist and member of the Brazilian Society of Laser in Medicine and Surgery and director of the Helena Costa Clinic (Rio de Janeiro), explains that glycerin, or glycol, is a colorless or yellow sugar alcohol, with the consistency of a syrup, that is extracted from natural or synthesized sources.

“Glycerin is used as an antifreeze, sweetener and as a base in the formula for manufacturing explosives, paints and lubricants. For some time now, it has also been used in skin and hair care products, due to its moisturizing characteristics and for providing skin protection”, explains Helena.

One point that generates a lot of confusion is the difference between vegetable glycerin and bi-distilled glycerin. Alessandra Drummond, dermatologist at the Murilo Drummond Clinic (Rio de Janeiro), specializing in the Professor Rubem David Azulay Institute of Dermatology, explains that vegetable glycerin is also known as glycerol. “It is a carbohydrate derived from vegetable oils, such as coconut oil. It is a colorless viscous liquid that is highly soluble in water,” she says.

Bi-distilled glycerin, on the other hand, can be of animal origin. This is because many soap industries use animal fat (bovine and swine tallow) as the basis for soap production and glycerin, in turn, is a by-product of this process (it is removed from the soap to be sold).

So, especially for those who want to avoid using products of animal origin, the tip is to bet on vegetable glycerin (and not on bi-distilled glycerin). But, it is worth mentioning: both are glycerin, a substance that has a moisturizing and humectant action (promotes moisture retention).

5 benefits of glycerin for skin, hair and nails

Want to know why glycerin is present in many products, especially skin and hair care? Below you know the main benefits it offers:

1. Hydration and softness to the wires

Alessandra highlights that glycerin has moisturizing effects on the hair and softness, as long as it is used correctly.

Helena explains that she extracts moisture from the air, taking it to the wires. “It also provides a ‘barrier’ around the strands, thus keeping the moisture inside them”, she says.

2. Strengthening the hair

Helena adds that, in addition to the moisturizing benefits, glycerin also helps to strengthen the hair, reducing breakage and the formation of split and dry ends.

3. Skin rejuvenation

Helena explains that glycerin helps make the skin softer. “As a result, it can make you look younger,” she says.

Also according to the dermatologist, a study carried out in 2003 in Denmark showed that skin elasticity improved significantly after just 10 minutes of glycerin application.

In this way, glycerin has already been used in products to activate skin tone, helping to reduce wrinkles and signs of age. “It won’t ‘remove’ the wrinkles, but it can lighten the visual picture”, highlights Helena.

4. Hydration for the skin

As well as the property of moisturizing the hair, highlights Alessandra, vegetable glycerin also moisturizes the body, “as long as it is used in the proper concentration”.

Helena points out that the natural substance works as a humectant, as its presence attracts water to the skin to restore its elasticity.

5. Hydration for nails and cuticles

Vegetable glycerin also helps to moisturize nails and cuticles. “The best way to moisturize your nails is with products in the form of oil, not cream, so glycerin would be more suitable”, explains Alessandra.

How to use vegetable glycerin?

When knowing the benefits of vegetable glycerin, most people ask: how can/should it be used? Are there homemade recipes that can be made with the substance? Below the professionals pass their guidelines.

In the hair:

Helena says that glycerin can be used as an ingredient in shampoos, masks and conditioners.

Alessandra points out that she is not very much in favor of homemade formulas. “Because the amount of water to dissolve the glycerin influences the result. It can be added to any shampoo or conditioner. If the ambient humidity is adequate, it would attract water to the hair, keeping it hydrated. However, if applied wrongly, it can have the opposite effect. A homemade dilution should vary according to the type of hair and also the humidity of the air,” she explains.

On the face and body:

Alessandra explains that vegetable glycerin is added to various cosmetics to increase hydration and also the degradation of the product in the packaging. “It is an additional benefit, much better if used in formulas already established, in the ideal concentration”, she highlights.

The dermatologist adds that glycerin soaps are great for sensitive skin on the face and body. “Pure glycerin should not be used on the skin, as it can attract water from the body and dry out rather than hydrate,” she points out.

Several products, according to Alessandra, combine the substance with others that come into balance. “Homemade mixtures always present the risk of more important allergic reactions, as they use products in their raw form, sometimes even resulting in hospitalization”, he warns.

Helena points out that it is not advisable to use glycerin on the skin in its pure form, as it can increase water loss by attracting water from the lower layers of the skin to the surface layers (where water can be easily evaporated). “For this reason, glycerin and humectants in general are combined with other ingredients to soften the skin. Combining glycerin with other emollients and/or oils is the foundational foundation of most moisturizing creams,” she says.

Dermatologist Helena explains that, to use glycerin on the skin of the body, one solution is to add it to liquid soap or moisturizing cream.

For Alessandra, the best option is to bet on soaps and moisturizing creams that already include glycerin in their composition.

Homemade recipes with vegetable glycerin

Many people have bet on homemade recipes made with vegetable glycerin, to moisturize hair, skin, nails. Below you can see some examples. However, it is worth noting that what works well for one person may not work for others. Therefore, the best way is to seek professional guidance before betting on a homemade recipe.

1. Vegetable glycerin mask to moisturize dry skin: 1 teaspoon of vegetable glycerin + 1 teaspoon of honey + 2 teaspoons of milk or water + 1 tablespoon of oatmeal. Mix well and apply on the face, letting it act for 20 minutes. Then rinse well with warm water.

2. Hydration for the hair with vegetable glycerin: 1 tablespoon (soup) of liquid glycerin + 5 tablespoons (soup) of water + 2 or 3 drops of essential oil of your choice. Apply to hair, leave on for a few minutes and then rinse well.

3. Hair mask with vegetable glycerin: amount normally used of your moisturizing mask + 5 ml of vegetable glycerin + a little water. Apply to the hair, put on a shower cap and let it act for about 20 minutes. Then rinse well.

4. Hydration for the body: 5 ml to 10 ml of vegetable glycerin + 30 ml of water + 30 ml of your favorite moisturizer. Apply the mixture to the skin (only when you feel it is very dry or on the parts of the body that are more dry).

5. Spray with vegetable glycerin: 5 ml of glycerin + 45 ml of water. Place the mixture in a spray bottle with a cap. When you want, shake well and apply to the hair as a leave-in.

It is worth mentioning: the best way to enjoy the benefits of vegetable glycerin is to use products that already contain it in their composition.

“Home remedies always pose a greater risk to skin and hair. The instability of natural products is greater, and the reaction of some substances in the sun can be intense. Therefore, one should always seek guidance”, highlights dermatologist Alessandra.

Where to buy vegetable glycerin?

According to Helena, it is possible to find vegetable glycerin in specialized pharmacies.

On the Soap and Glycerin website, you can find vegetable glycerin base for soap at around R$9.

On the E-vitamins website, vegetable glycerin costs almost R$19. Bi-distilled glycerin is usually more easily found in pharmacies and is generally cheaper. Remembering that the bi-distilled can be of animal origin. So, for those who do not want to purchase the product of animal origin, the tip is always to read the formulation carefully.

Alessandra points out that the best way is to bet, preferably, on products that have vegetable glycerin in their formula. In the gallery below you can see some examples.

Are soap and soap with glycerin really good?

It is a fact that many soaps, detergents and soaps contain glycerin in their compositions. But do they make them better for the skin than others that do not contain the substance?

Helena explains that glycerin soaps are much more hydrating for the skin than common soaps.

Alessandra points out that these products with glycerin are moisturizing and good for sensitive skin. Glycerin soaps are great for babies, including. “They tend to last a little less precisely because of the property of easily dissolving in water,” she adds.

Now you know the benefits of vegetable glycerin and you know that it can be a good idea to bet on beauty products that contain it in their formulations! But, in case of doubts about how to use pure glycerin, be sure to talk to a professional you trust. Because, when used improperly, the substance can offer effects contrary to those desired.