Glycerine Uses for Skin and Face: Benefits and Side Effects

Glycerine is a versatile ingredient that has been used for centuries in skincare routines. Its exceptional moisturising and protective properties make it a popular choice for those looking to enhance their skin’s health and appearance. From hydrating the skin to reducing the appearance of wrinkles, glycerine uses for skin and face are numerous and well-documented. In this article, we will explore the benefits of glycerine and how it can help you achieve glowing, healthy skin.

What is Glycerin?

Glycerin, also known as glycerol, is a colourless, odourless, and viscous liquid that is derived from vegetable oils and animal fats. It is a simple polyol compound with the chemical formula C₃H₈O₃. Glycerin is non-toxic, sweet-tasting, and hygroscopic, meaning it attracts and retains moisture. This property makes it an effective humectant, drawing water from the deeper layers of the skin to the surface, enhancing hydration and elasticity. Glycerin is widely used in skincare products due to its ability to improve the skin’s moisture content and overall appearance. In the next section, we will delve into the various benefits of glycerine for the skin and face.

Uses of Glycerine

Glycerine, also known as glycerol, is a versatile compound with a wide range of applications across various industries.

1. Skincare

Glycerine offers numerous benefits for skin hydration and protection:

• Acts as a humectant, drawing moisture from the environment and skin layers for deep hydration.
• Strengthens the skin barrier, preventing moisture loss and protecting sensitive skin.
• Combats dryness by retaining moisture, especially when paired with occlusives like dimethicone.
• Provides non-comedogenic hydration for acne-prone skin, balancing moisture without clogging pores.

2. Hair Care

Glycerine offers multiple benefits for hair care:

• Hydrates hair and scalp, reducing dryness and flaking.
• Improves softness and manageability, especially for curly, thick, or dry hair.
• Strengthens hair, helping to prevent breakage and split ends.
• Adds shine and maintains healthy hair for all types, including straight, wavy, and curly.

3. Medical Uses

Glycerine has a range of uses in different fields:

• Relieves conditions like ichthyosis and xerosis by providing hydration and lubrication.
• Used as a laxative when administered rectally to aid bowel evacuation.
• Temporarily reduces internal eye pressure in emergency situations when taken orally.
• Preserves red blood cells in blood banking prior to freezing.

4. Food Industry

Glycerine is widely used in the food industry for various purposes:

• Prevents moisture loss in dried fruits, nutrition bars, and candy.
• Acts as a flavour carrier in soft drinks and confections, evenly distributing flavourings.
• Preserves botanical extracts and maintains texture in baked goods like cakes.

5. Household Applications

Glycerine is a versatile ingredient found in a variety of personal care and cleaning products:

• Used in toothpaste, mouthwashes, shaving cream, soaps, and lubricants for its moisturising and lubricating properties.
• In skin cleansers, it softens the skin during the cleansing process.
• Incorporated into bio-ink formulations for bioprinting, adding viscosity without large protein or saccharide molecules.

Benefits of Glycerine

Glycerine offers numerous skincare benefits, making it a staple in many products:

• Hydration: As a humectant, glycerine draws moisture into the skin, providing long-lasting hydration, which is ideal for dry or dehydrated skin and conditions like eczema and dermatitis.
• Anti-Aging: By plumping the skin and filling gaps in the intercellular matrix, glycerine helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, promoting a youthful appearance.
• Skin Barrier: It strengthens the skin’s barrier, protecting against moisture loss, environmental stressors, and irritation.
• Antimicrobial: Though not highly antimicrobial on its own, glycerine can enhance antimicrobial effects when combined with ingredients like ethanol.
• Skin-Replenishing: Glycerine aids in healthy skin cell maturation, helping to treat conditions like psoriasis by reducing inflammation and supporting wound healing.
• Natural Preservative: While not a preservative on its own, glycerine’s moisture-retaining properties help maintain the stability of skincare formulations when used with other ingredients.

How to Use Glycerine on Face?

Glycerine can be easily incorporated into your daily skincare routine to maximise its benefits for your skin and face. Here are some simple ways to use glycerine on your face:

• Apply products containing glycerine immediately after showering to lock in moisture and keep your skin hydrated.
• Choose a face wash that includes glycerine to avoid harsh agents and maintain gentle skin care.
• Use a moisturiser or gel cream containing glycerine, especially before bed, to enhance skin hydration and elasticity.
• Apply sunscreen with glycerine to protect your skin from the sun while maintaining hydration.
• Add glycerine to your skin cleansers to soften the skin during the cleansing process.

While glycerine is generally well-tolerated, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects.

Side Effects of Glycerine

Although glycerine is considered safe for most people, there are some potential side effects to keep in mind:

• Rarely, glycerine can cause allergic reactions such as rash, hives, itching, redness, or peeling skin.
• Allergic contact dermatitis is very rare but can occur; patch testing by a dermatologist may be helpful.
• Although uncommon, some individuals may experience skin irritation or sensitivity.

If you experience any adverse reactions while using glycerine on your face, discontinue use and consult with your doctor or dermatologist.

Conclusion

Glycerine is a versatile and beneficial ingredient for skin and face care, offering significant hydration, antimicrobial properties, and anti-ageing benefits. It is suitable for various skin types, including dry, oily, and combination skin, and can be used in a range of products from cleansers to moisturisers. By incorporating glycerine into your skincare routine, you can enhance skin hydration, elasticity, and overall health. Always choose products that are formulated for your specific skin type and consult a dermatologist if any concerns arise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9205919/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18510666/
• https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1091581819883820
• https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(17)30963-5/abstract
• https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-642-27606-4_32