Let’s Talk Ingredients: Glycerin

Glycerin is a widely used ingredient in moisturizing products, as well as in food, medicine, and syrups. It was discovered by Swedish Chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele. Its chemical composition makes it versatile for various applications beyond skin care.

What is Glycerin?

Glycerin, also known as glycerol, is a thick liquid found in various fats and oils, such as coconut and olive oil. It's a common ingredient in many products that require more than just oil. Its chemical formula is HOCH2-CHOH-CH2OH, and it's classified as trihydric alcohol because it contains three hydroxyl groups in its structure. These groups give it the ability to dissolve easily in water, making it soluble in aqueous solutions. Glycerin is a humectant, meaning it can create moisture by pulling water from the skin or air.

Benefits of Glycerin

Glycerin is beneficial for moisturizing the skin due to its humectant properties which allow it to attract and retain moisture. It can also help with skin exfoliation by loosening and shedding dead skin cells.

Products with Glycerin

Paula’s Choice Enriched Calming Toner

Tatcha The dewy Skin Cream

Biossance Squalane + Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum

References

Poss, Andrew. "Glycerol." The Gale Encyclopedia of Science, edited by Katherine H. Nemeh and Jacqueline L. Longe, 6th ed., vol. 3, Gale, 2021, pp. 2027-2028. Gale In Context: Science, link.gale.com/apps/doc/CX8124401135/SCIC?u=cfsc&sid=bookmark-SCIC&xid=0bfe79c1. Accessed 24 June 2023.

Wade, Leroy G.. "phenol". Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Nov. 2018, https://www.britannica.com/science/phenol. Accessed 24 June 2023.

Sethi A, Kaur T, Malhotra S K, Gambhir M L. Moisturizers: The slippery road. Indian J Dermatol 2016;61:279-87

WebMD Editorial Contributors. “Humectants: How They Work, Where to Find Them, and More.” WebMD, www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/what-is-a-humectant. Accessed 24 June 2023.