Glycerin for facial skin: use in cosmetics, benefits

Glycerin is found in the basis of the formulas of most cosmetic products for skin care of any type. There is a lot of controversy around this substance: some argue that not a single moisturizer can do without glycerin in the composition, others talk about its notoriety. Let’s figure out why glycerin is needed for the skin, how it is used for cosmetic purposes, what are its benefits.

Glycerin – what is it?

Glycerol is a trihydric alcohol humectant widely used in the cosmetics industry and found in 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 transparent liquid, sweetish in 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 the care of problematic and sensitive skin types.

There are several ways to make glycerin: vegetable, animal and synthetic production. Let’s take a closer look at its forms.

Natural (natural) glycerin

In nature, the substance is found in the composition of oils and fats: animal glycerin is made from pork fat, vegetable glycerin is a derivative of palm, coconut oil, the most accessible and safe. The vegetable method of production is the most common and is considered more environmentally friendly. It is natural vegetable glycerin that is used in cosmetology and pharmacology, it is of high quality and safety.

Synthetic glycerin

An industrial method of production 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 glycerol is of low purity and is most often used for technical purposes.

The use of glycerin for the skin

In cosmetics

In the composition of care products, glycerin plays the role of not only a skin moisturizer, but also effectively fights the signs of early aging: it smoothes wrinkles, improves skin elasticity and firmness. Cosmetics with glycerin are a good way to have a lifting effect on 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, shower gels. The basis of cosmetic formulas appears as Glycerin.

In cosmetology

In cosmetology, natural glycerin is most often found in the basis of skin masks, caring and intensely moisturizing creams, softening lotions. Such products are used at different stages of complex care for dry, oily and mature skin. Check with your cosmetologist to find out which masks contain glycerin.

In pharmaceuticals

The well-known solution of pure glycerin is used in medicine as an antiseptic, softening, moisturizing, healing agent. Most often, it is used to accelerate the healing of wounds and prevent their infection and suppuration.

The benefits of glycerin for the 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 helps to retain it in the dermal layers of the skin, preventing tissue dehydration. It is important to remember that pure hygroscopic glycerin applied to the skin 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 humidity of the air, the better the substance works.

• Softens

  Another important property of glycerin for skin 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.

• Updates

  Glycerin also accelerates cell regeneration, promotes the speedy healing of skin lesions, relieves inflammation and irritation.

• Protects

  Thanks to the strengthening of the hydrolipid mantle, glycerin also strengthens the barrier properties of the skin and increases its resistance to negative environmental factors. The antiseptic properties of the substance help cells resist pathogenic bacteria and microbes.

• Smoothes wrinkles

  Due to its powerful moisturizing properties, glycerin saturates the epidermis with moisture, filling and smoothing dehydration creases and mimic wrinkles.

Indications for the use of cosmetics with glycerin

We will analyze in what situations and under what skin imperfections it is appropriate to use glycerin in cosmetics.

• Dry skin: with a genetic type or caused by improper care.
• Dehydration and peeling, for example, with improper care of oily and problematic skin using alcohol-containing, acidic products or aggressive alkalis.
• Loss of radiance and dull complexion.
• Photoaging caused by dehydration and damage to the skin due to prolonged sun exposure.
• Mimic wrinkles, creases of dehydration.
• Small cracks, irritation, inflammatory foci, for example, against the background of acne recurrences.

Features of the use of cosmetics with glycerin for different skin types

How does glycerin affect the condition of the skin in the presence of possible imperfections? Let us analyze the effect of the component in the composition of cosmetics for different types of skin and the features of its use.

• For oily and problematic

  It is found in moisturizing non-comedogenic gels or lotions that protect the skin from dehydration. It is also used as the basis of therapy against the background of temporary dryness of the skin caused by aggressive components (alcohol, alkalis, acids) that are not suitable for the oily type of care.

• For dry

  Dry type is the main client of glycerin for the face: the epidermis is saturated with moisture for a long time, peeling is reduced, the feeling of tightness disappears, protective properties and the hydrolipid barrier are strengthened. Glycerin acts as a powerful humectant and restores softness and comfort to dry skin.

• For normal and sensitive

  Prevents dryness, dehydration, peeling. Thanks to its antiseptic and soothing properties, it relieves discomfort and irritation of sensitive epidermis. Promotes accelerated regeneration of skin lesions. Use with caution in reactive hypersensitive skin.

• For combined

  Moisturizes the dry U-zone and protects against dehydration and its effects of increased sebum production and thickening of the skin in the oily T-zone.

• For mature skin

  Increases moisture, elasticity, firmness of the skin, smoothes visible creases of dehydration and wrinkles, has a lifting effect, strengthens and protects the epidermis.

What 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 so. An example is La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Concentrated Anti-Wrinkle Serum. Thus, natural (pure) glycerin at a concentration of up to 15% can be present in the basis of any moisturizing, softening and anti-aging cosmetic products.

Review of cosmetics with glycerin La Roche-Posay

Effaclar Micro Exfoliating Cleansing Gel for Face & Body

A product without abrasive particles, with zinc, salicylic acid and glycerin, fights against imperfections and helps smooth out traces of post-acne: stagnant spots, scars. Intensively cleanses pores, mattifies and softens the skin.

Consumer feedback:

Alexandra: I was pleasantly surprised by the effect, after washing the face is fresh, smooth, as if exfoliating the skin without damaging it. I use it once a day at night, so far I like it!

Christina: A find for owners of problem skin. A pleasant menthol smell and a chill on the skin, high-quality cleansing, which, in combination with good moisturizing, will not cause dryness. The gel is delicate, no scrubbing particles, exfoliation due to acids. It is difficult to judge the effect on post-acne, since I have external therapy in combination, but for basic daily care, it is excellent.

Lily: I use it on my face. Very gentle yet effective. From the first wash, the pores narrowed, the skin is smooth, no redness and tightness. It suited me (skin is oily, flaky, pores are wide). I immediately ordered a large quantity and did not regret it.

Effaclar Mat Moisturizing Mattifying Emulsion

Emulsion with perlite and sebulization reduces oily sheen, tightens pores, instantly mattifies the skin of the face, prevents dehydration, does not dry, but moisturizes the skin.

Consumer feedback:

Alexandra: I’ve been using it for over a month now. The tool is very light, does not dry the skin, moisturizes, mattifies for 4 hours, softens the pore pattern in the T-zone, does not clog pores, is a good base for make-up. The aroma is very weak, subtle and quite pleasant.

Others: It fits well, absorbs well, no stickiness and discomfort, really evens out the tone, a great thing, I advise anyone who uses this line of products to purchase, as the makeup base proved to be excellent.

Toleriane Sensitive Rich Moisture Cream

Cream for dry sensitive skin with a nourishing formula with prebiotics, niacinamide, shea butter normalizes the skin microbiome, moisturizes, soothes, softens, strengthens, protects the skin.

Consumer feedback:

Alyona: Very satisfied with the cream. If you use it at night, then in the morning the skin is like after a mask, it perfectly nourishes and moisturizes. In my opinion, it is ideal for the cold season, it also creates a kind of barrier. It has a dense texture, easy to apply, I recommend it for dry and sensitive skin. Has no smell! What is very important for me, I will order it further, quite economical consumption, enough for a couple of months.

Sharafutdinova: The cream is good. The problem I had was that the skin is dry, and the creams are not absorbed, I tried different creams. After consulting with the doctor, I bought this cream, I use it, I am very satisfied. Absorbs, moisturizes, does not leave a film.

Effaclar Purifying Mattifying Mask

The mask with kaolin and panthenol cleanses the pores of all types of impurities, controls the synthesis of sebum, mattifies the skin of the face, does not dry out, does not cause a feeling of tightness and discomfort. Soothes inflammation, relieves redness, promotes tissue regeneration.

Consumer feedback:

Olga: I really liked the mask. Copes with all the tasks set in the description of this product. very economical to use. Recommend!

Valeria: Great mask for deep cleansing of problematic skin. It cleanses very well without drying out the skin. Nice texture, very economical, the price is great, I will buy more!

Lily: A very pleasant homogeneous consistency, the pores immediately seem to be smoothed out, becoming not so noticeable and deep. Leaving has become an interesting procedure, every time I get an instant effect.

Frequently asked Questions:

Dermatologist Alexander Prokofiev, La Roche-Posay brand expert, answers questions.

Is glycerin bad for your skin?

The composition of modern cosmetics uses natural (natural) vegetable glycerin, 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 hydrate or dry out the skin?

As part of cosmetic formulas, in a concentration of up to 15% in its pure form, glycerin moisturizes, creates a hydrolipid film on the surface, prevents the evaporation of moisture from the cells and prevents dehydration of the epidermis. In its pure form, a medicinal glycerin solution is not recommended for cosmetic purposes.

Can glycerin be used on the skin around the eyes?

The area of ​​the neck and décolleté, as well as the area around the eyes, is characterized by increased dryness due to the peculiarities of the physiological structure, therefore, these areas most need care aimed at intensively moisturizing the skin. Glycerin is often found in eyelid care products.

How to use products with glycerin in the composition?

Since glycerin is part of the composition of care products, their use is no different from products without it. Creams should be applied to previously cleansed, toned skin, in the morning or evening. Lotion with glycerin is recommended to wipe the face before applying the base product. Apply a moisturizing nourishing mask 1-2 times a week, according to the instructions on the package proposed by the manufacturer.