Glycerine, a versatile ingredient that has been used for centuries in skincare routines, is a humectant powerhouse. 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. Chemically, it is a simple polyol compound (a type of sugar alcohol) with the formula. Glycerin is non-toxic, sweet-tasting, and most importantly, hygroscopic, meaning it readily attracts and retains moisture [1].
This property makes it a highly effective humectant, drawing water from the deeper layers of the skin (the dermis) and the environment to the superficial layer (the stratum corneum). This action enhances hydration, elasticity, and supports the integrity of the skin’s moisture barrier [2]. Glycerin is widely used in skincare products due to its ability to dramatically improve the skin’s moisture content and overall appearance.
Uses of Glycerine
Glycerine has a wide range of applications across various industries, primarily due to its non-toxic, stabilising, and moisture-retaining properties.
1. Skincare
Glycerine offers numerous benefits for skin hydration and protection:
- Acts as a Humectant: Draws moisture from the environment and deeper skin layers for deep, long-lasting hydration.
- Strengthens the Skin Barrier: Supports the crucial function of the stratum corneum, helping to prevent moisture loss and protecting against environmental stressors [4].
- Combats Dryness: Retains water within the skin, especially when paired with occlusives like dimethicone, providing relief for dry and dehydrated skin [1].
- Non-Comedogenic: Provides effective hydration for acne-prone skin, balancing moisture without clogging pores.
2. Hair Care
Glycerine offers multiple benefits for hair care:
- Hydrates Hair and Scalp: Reduces dryness and flaking, especially in dry winter air.
- Improves Softness and Manageability: Acts as a softening agent, particularly beneficial for curly, thick, or dry hair.
- Strengthens Hair: Helps reduce the likelihood of breakage and split ends by improving elasticity.
- Adds Shine: Maintains the overall health and shine for all hair types.
3. Medical Uses
Glycerine has a range of uses in the medical field [3]:
- Topical Treatment: Used to treat dry skin conditions like xerosis and ichthyosis by improving skin hydration and barrier function.
- Osmotic Laxative: Rectally, it acts as a mild osmotic laxative to relieve occasional constipation by drawing water into the intestines.
- Ocular Pressure: Oral glycerine solutions may be used in emergency settings to temporarily lower intraocular pressure in acute angle-closure glaucoma.
- Preservation: Used in transfusion medicine to preserve red blood cells before freezing.
Note: The use of oral glycerine for intraocular pressure management should always be supervised by a healthcare provider and is not a routine treatment.
4. Food Industry
Glycerine is widely used in the food industry for various purposes:
- Moisture Control: Prevents moisture loss, maintaining freshness in dried fruits, nutrition bars, and candy.
- Flavour Carrier: Acts as a solvent and flavour carrier in soft drinks and confections, ensuring even distribution of flavourings.
- Texture and Stability: Preserves botanical extracts and maintains the soft texture in baked goods like cakes.
5. Household Applications
Glycerine is a versatile ingredient found in a variety of personal care and cleaning products:
- Personal Care Base: Used in toothpaste, mouthwashes, shaving cream, soaps, and lubricants for its moisturising and lubricating properties.
- Skin Cleansing: It is often added to skin cleansers to counteract the stripping effect of surfactants, helping to soften the skin during the cleansing process.
Benefits of Glycerine for the Skin
Glycerine offers numerous skincare benefits, making it a reliable staple ingredient:
- Exceptional Hydration: As a key humectant, glycerine draws and binds moisture to the skin, providing long-lasting hydration which is critical for dry or dehydrated skin and conditions like eczema and dermatitis [1].
- Anti-Ageing Support: By drawing water into the skin’s surface, it causes a plumping effect that can temporarily reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles, promoting a smoother, more youthful appearance.
- Skin Barrier Repair: It is vital for strengthening the skin’s barrier, which is the key to protecting against moisture loss, environmental stressors, and irritation [5].
- Enhanced Antimicrobial Effect: While not a strong antimicrobial on its own, its presence can enhance the effects of other antimicrobial agents, which is why it is often included in hand sanitisers and certain wound care products.
- Skin-Replenishing: Glycerine aids in healthy skin cell maturation and may support wound healing and reduce inflammation associated with conditions like psoriasis.
How to Use Glycerine on Face?
Glycerine can be easily and safely incorporated into your daily skincare routine by following these guidelines:
- Use in Formulations: The safest and most effective way to use glycerine is as an ingredient in a face wash, toner, serum, or moisturiser.
- Post-Shower Application: Apply products containing glycerine (especially moisturisers) immediately after showering while the skin is still damp to maximise moisture lock-in.33
- Choose Glycerine-Rich Products: Look for moisturisers, gel creams, and sunscreens that list glycerine high up in the ingredient list.
Mixing with Water (Toner Example):
- Glycerine and Lemon Juice Toner: Ingredients: 1 tablespoon of glycerine, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, 1 cup of distilled water.
- Instructions: Combine and mix well. Apply to the face with a cotton pad after cleansing.
- Benefits: The glycerine hydrates, while the lemon juice (a source of Vitamin C and citric acid) may help with mild exfoliation and brightening.
- Warning: Lemon juice can irritate sensitive skin or cause photosensitivity (increased sun sensitivity). Always patch test first and strictly avoid sun exposure after use.
Crucial Dilution Rule: NEVER apply undiluted (pure) glycerine directly to the face, especially in dry or low-humidity climates. Pure glycerine is so aggressively hygroscopic that it will draw moisture from the deeper layers of your skin to the surface, potentially causing dehydration and irritation. It must be diluted with water or used as part of a formulated product.
Side Effects of Glycerine
Although glycerine is considered safe and non-toxic for most people, there are some potential side effects to keep in mind, most of which are rare when used topically:
- Allergic Reactions (Rare): Rarely, glycerine can cause allergic reactions such as rash, hives, itching, redness, or peeling skin. Allergic contact dermatitis is very uncommon.
- Skin Irritation: Some individuals may experience mild skin irritation or sensitivity, often due to high concentration or lack of proper dilution.
- Rectal Use Side Effects: Side effects are more common with rectal use (suppositories) and can include excessive bowel activity, cramping, rectal irritation, and rectal pain.
If you experience any adverse or prolonged reactions while using glycerine, discontinue use and consult with your doctor or dermatologist.
Conclusion
Glycerine is a powerhouse ingredient in modern skincare and personal care products. Its humectant properties make it a top choice for maintaining skin hydration, improving elasticity, and enhancing skin barrier function. It is generally suitable for all skin types—including dry, oily, combination, and sensitive—and can be found in a wide range of cleansers, moisturisers, and serums.38 When used correctly (diluted or in formulated products), glycerine can help you achieve softer, more supple skin without significant risk of irritation. However, always be mindful of how your skin reacts, and consult a dermatologist if you have any concerns or underlying skin conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the uses of glycerine?
Glycerine is used in skincare (as a humectant), haircare, oral hygiene products, pharmaceuticals, and as a stabiliser/humectant in various products, including cough syrups and food items.
Can you apply glycerine directly to skin?
No, it is strongly advised to use glycerine as an ingredient in formulated products or properly diluted with water. Applying pure glycerine directly to the skin, especially in dry climates, can dehydrate and irritate the skin.
Is glycerine safe to use daily?
Glycerine is generally recognised as safe, non-toxic, and non-irritating for daily use when incorporated into most commercial skincare products.
What does glycerine do for hair?
Glycerine deeply moisturises and hydrates hair, improves manageability, reduces frizz, strengthens hair, and helps prevent split ends and breakage.
Can glycerine remove dark spots?
No. There is no evidence suggesting that glycerine can remove dark spots. Its primary benefits are related to moisturising and hydrating the skin.
References
[1] Chen, H. J., Lee, P. Y., Chen, C. Y., Huang, S. L., Huang, B. W., Dai, F. J., Chau, C. F., Chen, C. S., & Lin, Y. S. (2022). Moisture retention of glycerin solutions with various concentrations: a comparative study. Scientific Reports, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-13452-2
[2] Fluhr, J. W., Darlenski, R., & Surber, C. (2008). Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions. The British Journal of Dermatology, 159(1), 23–34. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.2008.08643.x
[3] Becker, L. C., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., Hill, R. A., Klaassen, C. D., Liebler, D. C., Marks, J. G., Shank, R. C., Slaga, T. J., Snyder, P. W., Gill, L. J., & Heldreth, B. (2019). Safety Assessment of Glycerin as Used in Cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 38(3_suppl), 6S22S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581819883820
[4] Enhancing skin hydration and barrier function via skin penetration of monoglycerides and sustained glycerin release. (2017). Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 76(6), AB122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2017.04.476
[5] Roussel, L., Atrux-Tallau, N., & Pirot, F. (2012). Glycerol as a Skin Barrier Influencing Humectant. Treatment of Dry Skin Syndrome, 473–480. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27606-4