The complete guide to using Glycerin in skincare

What is Glycerin?

Glycerin has been a popular choice for generations as it has a range of some amazing benefits that beauty lovers all over the world are rediscovering. Glycerin is named a humectant which basically means a substance that holds and retains moisture. Glycerin, is also called glycerol, which is a  colorless, scentless and a sweet-tasting fluid that has a thick, gooey consistency. It can be natural or synthetic. Natural Glycerin is created by hydrolysis of vegetable or animal fats. Because of Glycerin’s versatility and ability to moisturise, it’s used in everything from lotions to soaps to toners.

Benefits of Glycerin

Glycerin is a super multitasker for skin care. It is the OG ingredient of all skin care products. Here’s a lineup of its most amazing benefits!

1. Hydrates skin

Not only does Glycerin moisturise the skin, it helps pull moisture to the outermost layer of the skin, essentially allowing the skin to help moisturise itself. Taking a bath with warm water mixed with Glycerin to maintain skin moisture and prevent skin disorders is also recommended by many. Making Glycerin moisturiser a part of your skincare routine will help keep your skin feeling soft and hydrated.

2. Calms and soothes

Plant-based Glycerin is extraordinarily gentle on sensitive skin in particular and can help alleviate temporary skin discomfort. It is important for keeping skin comfortable and healthy, especially for individuals who are prone to acne. Glycerin gently  exfoliates, cleanses and moisturises skin without causing any irritation. Gentle, Glycerin based cleansers are ideal for people who want to cleanse and exfoliate without causing any damage to their skin

3. Keeps skin young

Applying Glycerin to your skin holds  moisture in your skin and gives it a youthful, healthy glow. By bringing your skin’s natural moisture to the surface, Glycerin helps reduce the look of all signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles! Use Glycerin for a few days and you'll find yourself with plump and soft skin, especially if you have mature looking skin!

4. Acts as a shield

By strengthening the outermost layer of skin and retaining moisture, Glycerin creates a barrier between the skin and elements that might harm it. When skin gets damaged, it becomes more susceptible to infection and wounds. A moisturiser containing Glycerin locks moisture in your skin and can be especially helpful in protecting hands, feet, knees, and various other parts of the body that usually get dry. Glycerin also helps protect skin from the effects of wind or dry air, and all kinds of irritants.

5. Improves complexion and brightens skin

Blemishes, marks and age spots are hard to get rid of. However, consistent use of Glycerin has been shown to help these marks reduce or fade with time. Glycerin keeps the skin hydrated, has plenty of antibacterial properties and maintains the pH levels of the skin. It is also non-comedogenic, so the pores don’t get clogged. Glycerin’s rejuvenating properties and its ability to moisturise plays a key role in keeping skin looking bright and luminous!

6. Blends well with other ingredients

One of the best things about Glycerin is that it can be combined with so many other ingredients to add moisture. It also acts as a preservative in addition to all of its other health benefits. Glycerin is said to have outstanding antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. It's used both as a solvent and a preservative in skin care products that contain herbal extracts. Glycerin in skin care is a blessing, and can be added and mixed with literally all skincare products, from your moisturiser to your hair conditioner!

How to add Glycerin to your skincare Routine

To ensure you benefit from Glycerin's boss moisturising power, check the elements of your beloved salves and creams and ensure they incorporate Glycerin.

1. Facial moisturiser

If Glycerin has a reputation for one thing in particular, it’s as a moisturiser. After you wash your face followed by toner application, you can use Glycerin for moisturising. Applying a Glycerin face moisturiser will reduce wrinkles and keep skin soft and smooth. This is essential especially if you suffer from dry, itchy skin. So when you look for a moisturiser, try to make sure you see Glycerin in the ingredients list.

Our pick : Swisse Vitamin B3 Anti Blemish Moisturiser With Green Tea & Willow Bark Extract 

2. Moisturising toner

Rosewater and Glycerin are a match made in heaven for skincare ingredient combinations! Together, they draw up and lock moisture into the skin, so if you have a little rosewater toner, try adding just a tad of Glycerin to it and see it making your skin smoother!

Our pick: Pure By Priyanka Pure Steam Distilled Rose Water

3. Facial cleanser

Oil-free and non-comedogenic, Glycerin makes an incredible cleansing agent for anyone with a tendency to get clogged pores. It is recommended you wash or cleanse your face twice a day, once in the morning and once at night.

We’d recommend you go for: Rovectin Skin Essentials Conditioning Cleanser

4. Hair care

Glycerin makes for a great hair gloss! Pat a little Glycerin on your hands, rub them together, and delicately run over and through your hair. The ultimate natural skin hydrator, Glycerin is going to bring life back to your dull and dry skin and give even the dullest hair a vibrant sheen!

We recommend Prakriti Herbals Itchy Scalp Control Cucumber Aloe Vera Hair Gel

5. Sleeping mask

Face masks give a huge help by retaining moisture, hydrating skin and lessening inflammation and dryness. A Glycerin face mask instantly floods skin with moisture and keeps skin happily hydrated for hours.

Our pick: Dot & Key Skin Plumping Moisture Infusion Water Sleeping Mask 

Precautions/Don'ts

1. Perform a patch test

Glycerin could cause signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction, so it’s always important to do a skin patch test before using a product with Glycerin for the first time. To know more about patch testing, click here

2. Dilute before application

Unless you’re using a product like moisturiser, where Glycerin is already mixed, make sure you dilute it with something like Rose Water. Glycerin pulls moisture from your skin, and if you use it on its own, you risk pulling too much moisture out and that can lead to skin irritation. 

The Takeaway

Glycerin is the best skincare ingredient for dry skin. It is great for helping your skin retain moisture, repairing damage, and protecting your skin from infections. It is always better to use natural Glycerin for best results. Introducing Glycerin at any stage of your skincare will definitely ensure replenished and healed skin. It contains exfoliating properties: by removing dead skin cells, it might be possible to reduce the discolouration that acne, scars, or age spots cause. It offers more than just hydration and is a suitable match for all skin types, making it the perfect skincare ingredient for everyday use.

-Ashi Bansal