Glycerin is widely used in the medical, cosmetology and food industries as an important component. Glycerin is used to create creams, masks, lotions and other cosmetics that you can prepare yourself at home. Therefore, it will not be superfluous to learn the methods of use, properties, positive and negative features of the useful substance.
Glycerin - what is it?
Glycerol
is a moisture-retaining substance from the class of trihydric alcohols, which is widely used in the cosmetics industry and is part of moisturizing, softening and anti-aging products. The chemical formula of glycerin consists of three water molecules, which explains its hygroscopic ability to absorb water molecules from the air, accumulate them in cells and prevent transepidermal moisture loss.
Glycerin in its pure form is a syrupy, clear liquid with a sweetish taste. The component gained its popularity in cosmetology due to its low cost and high efficiency. Glycerin for the face can be found in the basis of the formulas of various cosmetic products: emulsions, creams, gels, masks, soaps and is suitable for caring for problematic and sensitive skin types.
There are several ways to make glycerin: plant, animal and synthetic production. Let's take a closer look at its forms.
Natural (natural) glycerin
In nature, the substance is found in oils and fats: animal glycerin is made from pork fat, vegetable glycerin is a derivative of palm oil, coconut oil is the most accessible and safe. The plant-based production method is the most common and is considered more environmentally friendly. It is natural vegetable glycerin that is used in cosmetology and pharmacology and is characterized by high quality and safety.
Synthetic glycerin
The industrial production method is the synthesis of glycerin from propylene. There are two synthesis technologies: the chlorine method (by chlorination of propylene) and the chlorine-free method (oxidative method through acrolein). The synthetic form of glycerin has a low degree of purity and is most often used for technical purposes.
Description and classification
Glycerin is a chemical substance (trihydric alcohol) obtained by processing fats. It is divided into 2 types: plant and animal origin. The latter is used when creating cosmetics.
There are two more varieties:
- synthetic;
- natural.
Many cosmetologists recommend using natural ones, although recent research by scientists has proven that these types are no different from each other, and in some cases it is quite difficult to accurately determine the identity of the substance.
In any case, the formation of a substance occurs as a result of a chemical process. This division is conditional, and the properties of both types are the same.
Use of glycerin for skin
In cosmetics
In skin care products, glycerin not only plays the role of a skin moisturizer, but also effectively fights the signs of early aging: smooths out wrinkles, increases skin elasticity and firmness. Cosmetics with glycerin are a good way to provide a lifting effect to the skin at home.
Due to its beneficial properties, this ingredient is often found in the basis of cosmetic formulas of natural and pharmacy products in combination with vitamins, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and vegetable oils. Glycerin is a common component in the basis of emollient and nourishing body products, some sunscreens, and shower gels. The basis of cosmetic formulas is Glycerin.
In cosmetology
In cosmetology, natural glycerin is most often found in the base of skin masks, caring and intensely moisturizing creams, and softening lotions. Such products are used at different stages of comprehensive care for dry, oily and mature skin. Check with your cosmetologist which mask recipes contain glycerin.
In pharmaceuticals
The well-known solution of pure glycerin is used in medicine as an antiseptic, emollient, moisturizer, and healing agent. Most often it is used to accelerate the healing of wounds and prevent their infection and suppuration.
Facial skin care products
The beneficial qualities of trihydric alcohol can be seen in homemade creams and masks. Additional ingredients used include a chicken egg, lemon juice, honey, olive oil, milk, cream, potatoes, and cosmetic clay.
To prevent cosmetic preparations from causing harm, you should follow simple rules:
- Apply the mask immediately after preparation, apply to clean skin;
- leftovers cannot be stored;
- The mask is good to use in the cold season;
- all components of the drug must be of natural origin;
- homemade ingredients should be added to the composition last;
- if facial skin is prone to irritation and allergic reactions, use should be discarded.
Mask-scrub for cleansing
The use of scrubbing will help get rid of dead epidermal cells, improve complexion, and prepare the skin for further procedures.
Components:
- 1 part glycerin;
- 8 parts sugar;
- 7 parts lemon juice.
Mix the ingredients thoroughly and apply to the face with massage movements immediately after preparation, before the sugar has time to dissolve.
Moisturizing mask
To get rid of facial wrinkles, make your facial skin elastic and moisturized, you can use a homemade mask:
- thoroughly mix one part of aloe juice with two parts of glycerin;
- Apply a thick layer to the skin of the face and leave for 15-20 minutes;
- wash off the mask with warm water.
To achieve the desired effect, the procedure should be carried out systematically.
Lotion with glycerin
The drug may be intended for different purposes. Lotion with glycerin with the addition of mint soothes the skin, lemon whitens, green tea tones, chamomile reduces redness and itching.
To prepare herbal lotion you need:
- pour two tablespoons of herbs with 250 ml of boiling water;
- let cool, strain;
- add one teaspoon of glycerin;
- stir thoroughly.
Wipe your face for one week.
Benefits of glycerin for facial skin
- Moisturizes
Glycerin creates a film on the surface of the epidermis, strengthening and restoring the hydrolipid layer. Moisturizes by literally attracting water molecules from the air and helping to retain it in the dermal layers of the skin, preventing tissue dehydration. It is important to remember that hygroscopic glycerin applied to the skin in its pure form can also dry out and cause a feeling of tightness of the epidermis, provided that the ambient humidity level is below 45%. Accordingly, the higher the air humidity, the better the substance works. - Softens
Another important property of glycerin for skin is softening. The component has a pronounced dermatoprotective effect, improves the mechanical properties of the epidermis, softens the skin and minimizes peeling, penetrating into the deep layers of the epidermis. - Renews
Glycerin also accelerates cell regeneration, promotes rapid healing of skin damage, relieves inflammation and irritation. - Protects
By strengthening the hydrolipid mantle, glycerin also strengthens the barrier properties of the skin and increases its resistance to negative environmental influences. The antiseptic properties of the substance help cells resist pathogenic bacteria and microbes. - Smoothes wrinkles
Thanks to its powerful moisturizing properties, glycerin nourishes the epidermis with moisture, filling and smoothing out dehydration creases and expression wrinkles.
How does he work?
Imagine a sponge that attracts moisture—that’s roughly how glycerin works. There is water both in our skin and in the air. And glycerin attracts liquid from where there is a lot of it and delivers it to places where there is not enough water. It's simple : if there is a sufficiently high level of humidity in the air, then glycerin will provide good hydration and care for your skin. In this case, you don’t have to be afraid to use cosmetics that contain glycerin.
However, if there is a low level of humidity in the air in the room, the “sponge” will begin to draw liquid from our dermis - this is precisely the main reason for dissatisfaction with this product.
How does glycerin work?
Indications for the use of cosmetics with glycerin
Let's look at in what situations and for what skin imperfections it is appropriate to use glycerin in cosmetics.
- Dry skin: due to a genetic characteristic or caused by improper care.
- Dehydration and flaking, for example, due to improper care of oily and problematic skin using alcohol-containing, acidic products or aggressive alkalis.
- Loss of radiance and dull complexion.
- Photoaging caused by decreased moisture and skin damage due to prolonged exposure to sunlight.
- Expression wrinkles, dehydration creases.
- Small cracks, irritation, inflammatory foci, for example, against the background of recurrent acne.
Reviews: is the product good in the fight against wrinkles?
My skin is dry and constantly flakes. Cosmetics don't help much, so I decided to try home remedies. A mask with glycerin and vitamin E is a wonderful remedy. Several procedures helped not only get rid of dryness with its unpleasant consequences, but also smooth out small wrinkles.
Olga Bobrova, 33 years old.
My skin tends to be oily, so I previously thought that glycerin would not suit me. But even in this case, it works great if you choose the right components of the masks. I personally like to combine it with honey and white clay. The skin is soft, smooth, velvety.
Inna Lomteva, 29 years old, Kazan
After 40 years, you begin to think about anti-aging cosmetic procedures. But they are very expensive. I read somewhere about a mask with glycerin and decided to try it, not really hoping for visible results. But over time, I noticed that deep wrinkles became less noticeable, and small ones completely disappeared. Now I use it regularly. I make anti-aging masks with honey and gelatin.
Victoria Ivanova, 44 years old, St. Petersburg
Glycerin is a good product for facial skin that will help maintain its attractiveness and internal health. However, you need to keep in mind that it is not so easy to use, so you should remember to take precautions and not abuse it.
Features of using cosmetics with glycerin for different skin types
How does glycerin affect the condition of the skin in the presence of possible imperfections? Let’s look at what effect the component in cosmetics has on different skin types and the specifics of its use.
- For oily and problematic skin
It is found in moisturizing non-comedogenic gels or lotions that protect the skin from dehydration. It is also used as a basis for therapy against the background of temporary dry skin caused by aggressive components (alcohol, alkalis, acids) that are not suitable for oily skin types. - For the
dry type, the main client of glycerin for the face: the epidermis is permanently saturated with moisture, flaking is reduced, the feeling of tightness disappears, the protective properties and hydrolipid barrier are strengthened. Glycerin acts as a powerful humectant and restores softness and comfort to dry skin. - For normal and sensitive skin
Prevents dryness, dehydration, flaking. Thanks to its antiseptic and soothing properties, it relieves discomfort and irritation of the sensitive epidermis. Promotes accelerated regeneration of skin damage. Use with caution for reactive hypersensitive skin. - For combination:
Moisturizes the dry U-zone and protects against dehydration and its consequences of increased sebum production and skin thickening in the oily T-zone. - For mature skin
Increases hydration, elasticity, firmness of the skin, smoothes out visible creases of dehydration and wrinkles, has a lifting effect, strengthens, protects the epidermis.
Contraindications and harm
Glycerin is a useful product, but it is worth considering the existing contraindications to its use. Experts do not recommend using it in winter, in frosty weather.
It cannot be used internally or rectally for renal failure, diabetes mellitus, and hemorrhoids.
Another contraindication is individual intolerance to the product. In other cases, it is important to observe the measure so as not to harm the skin. Otherwise, unpleasant side effects are possible, such as itching, burning, skin irritation, and an allergic reaction. If used wisely and in moderation, this will not happen.
Which cosmetic products usually contain glycerin?
Most often, glycerin is found in the base of creams, masks (for skin and hair), fluids, lotions, gels, cleansers, some shampoos and hair conditioners. Many people mistakenly believe that glycerin is not used in serums, but this is not true. An example is Hyalu B5 Concentrated Anti-Wrinkle Serum from La Roche-Posay. Thus, natural (pure) glycerin in a concentration of up to 15% can be present in the base of any moisturizing, softening and anti-aging cosmetic products.
Benefits of the drug for hair
Today, glycerin can be found in almost every composition of shampoo, conditioner, and hair mask, since its benefits have long been proven. After using the complex of products, the hair becomes strong, shiny and well-groomed.
Features of the drug:
- hair follicles are activated;
- keratin scales are smoothed;
- volume increases;
- dandruff and brittleness disappear.
In order not to harm your hair, it is not recommended to abuse the products, as glycerin can be addictive, which will subsequently cause harm.
Review of cosmetics with glycerin La Roche-Posay
Effaclar Micro-Exfoliating Cleansing Gel for Face and Body
EFFACLAR GEL
Micro-exfoliating gel
Thanks to an active formula that combines two types of acids and components that restore skin balance, the gel gently but intensively cleanses and exfoliates the epidermis and does not contain scrubbing particles that can injure problematic skin.
RUB 1,290 buy
A product without abrasive particles, with zinc, salicylic acid and glycerin, fights imperfections and helps smooth out signs of post-acne: stagnant spots, scars. Intensively cleanses pores, mattifies and softens the skin.
Consumer reviews:
Alexandra: I was pleasantly surprised by the effect, after washing my face was fresh, smooth, as if it was exfoliating the skin without damaging it. I use it once a day at night, so far I like it!
Christina: A godsend for those with problem skin. A pleasant menthol smell and a cooling sensation on the skin, high-quality cleansing, which, combined with good hydration, will not cause dryness. The gel is delicate, there are no scrubbing particles, exfoliation due to acids. It’s difficult to judge the effect on post-acne, since I use external therapy in combination, but for basic daily care it’s excellent.
Lily: I use it on the face. A very delicate effect and at the same time effective. From the first wash, the pores narrowed, the skin was smooth, no redness or tightness. It suited me (my skin is oily, flaky, my pores are wide). I ordered a large quantity at once and did not regret it.
Moisturizing mattifying emulsion Effaclar Mat
EFFACLAR MAT
Mattifying sebum-regulating emulsion
Contains the Sebulyse component, which reduces sebum production, providing a mattifying effect and helping to tighten pores. Intensely moisturizes and prevents skin from dehydration.
RUB 1,714 buy
An emulsion with perlite and sebulise reduces oily shine, tightens pores, instantly mattifies the skin, prevents dehydration, does not dry out, but moisturizes the skin.
Consumer reviews:
Alexandra: I’ve been using it for over a month now. The product is very light, does not dry out the skin, moisturizes, mattifies for 4 hours, softens the pore pattern in the T-zone somewhat, does not clog pores, and is a good base for makeup. The aroma is very weak, subtle and quite pleasant.
Annet: It fits well, absorbs well, no stickiness or discomfort, it really evens out the tone, a great product, I advise anyone who uses this line of products to buy it, as the makeup base has proven to be excellent.
Toleriane Sensitive Rich Moisturizing Cream
TOLERIANE SENSITIVE
Moisturizing cream for sensitive skin
Moisturizes, soothes, enhances the natural protective function of the skin.
RUB 1,111 buy
Cream for dry sensitive skin with a nourishing formula with prebiotics, niacinamide, shea butter normalizes the skin microbiome, moisturizes, soothes, softens, strengthens, and protects the skin.
Consumer reviews:
Alena: I’m very pleased with the cream. If you use it at night, then in the morning the skin will feel like after a mask, it will perfectly nourish and moisturize. In my opinion, it is ideal for the cold season, and also creates a certain barrier. It has a dense texture, easy to apply, I recommend it for dry and sensitive skin. No smell! What is very important for me, I will continue to order it, it is quite economical, lasts for a couple of months.
Sharafutdinova: The cream is good. The problem I had was that my skin was dry and the creams were not absorbed, I tried different creams. After consulting with a doctor, I bought this cream, I use it, I am very pleased. Absorbs, moisturizes, does not leave a film.
Effaclar Purifying Mattifying Mask
EFFACLAR
Purifying mattifying mask
Absorbs excess sebum, deeply cleanses, helps tighten pores and thereby has a mattifying effect, and also controls sebum production.
RUB 1,167 buy
A mask with kaolin and panthenol cleanses pores well of all types of impurities, controls sebum synthesis, mattifies the skin, does not dry out, and does not cause a feeling of tightness or discomfort. Calms inflammation, relieves redness, promotes tissue regeneration.z>
Consumer reviews:
Olga: I really liked the mask. Copes with all the tasks set in the description of this product. very economical to use. I recommend!
Valeria: An excellent mask for deep cleansing problem skin. Cleanses very well and does not dry out the skin. Pleasant texture, very economical, excellent price, I will buy more!
Lily: Very pleasant, homogeneous consistency, the pores immediately seem to be smoothed out, becoming less noticeable and deep. Treatment has become an interesting procedure, every time I get an immediate effect.
Impact on beauty
The main advantage of glycerin is its ability to absorb water molecules (it is a natural hydrant). The substance does not just retain moisture. It literally “absorbs” it from the surrounding air.
For example, if you open a container filled with glycerin and then place it next to a glass of water, the composition of this pharmaceutical product will change significantly! An increased content of life-giving moisture will be found in glycerin.
Another remarkable property is the ability to smooth the skin. Moisture penetrates even the slightest microcracks and facial folds, fills them and visually rejuvenates the face. Not only the superficial, but also the deep layers of the dermis are saturated with water.
Dry epidermis leads to visual aging. For this reason, timely replenishment of moisture in the intercellular space is one of the best methods of combating age-related changes.
Glycerin is included in many creams - it works great as a natural anti-aging agent. This chemical component can be found in industrial soaps intended for dry and very sensitive skin. It is also present in facial tonics and lotions.
Beauty product
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FAQ:
Dermatologist Alexander Prokofiev, an expert of the La Roche-Posay brand, answers the questions.
Is glycerin harmful to facial skin?
Modern cosmetics use natural glycerin of plant origin, which is absolutely safe for the skin of the face and body. To further protect yourself from allergic reactions, choose proven products, for example, buy care products in pharmacies.
Does glycerin moisturize or dry out the skin?
As part of cosmetic formulas, in a concentration of up to 15% in pure form, glycerin moisturizes, creates a hydrolipid film on the surface, prevents the evaporation of moisture from cells and prevents dehydration of the epidermis. It is not recommended to use medicated glycerin solution in its pure form for cosmetic purposes.
Can glycerin be used on the skin around the eyes?
The neck and décolleté area, like the area around the eyes, is characterized by increased dryness due to the peculiarities of its physiological structure, so these areas most need care aimed at intensively moisturizing the skin. Glycerin is often found in eyelid care products.
general characteristics
Glycerin is an organic compound in the form of a colorless, odorless liquid, has a sweetish taste, and is harmless.
Glycerin is added to bakery products, confectionery products, pasta, and soft drinks. The beneficial properties of the component are known to everyone, however, people suffering from kidney and heart diseases are not recommended to abuse glycerin.
To increase antiseptic effects, trihydric alcohol is used to produce detergents and medications.
