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Vegetable glycerin is a substance that can be found primarily in various cosmetics, such as creams and lotions, but not only. Although not many people know, it is a product that has a wide range of applications in many industries. What exactly is vegetable glycerin? What is worth knowing about it? What is it used for? You can learn all of this in the article below.
What is glycerin?
Glycerin is otherwise called glycerol. It is a trihydric alcohol which is produced as a by-product in the soap production process. Natural glycerin is a thick, odorless liquid with no smell and a characteristic, slightly sweet taste. Glycerin dissolves in both alcohol and water.
At Medonet Market you will find glycerin soaps, e.g .:
- Naturaphy antibacterial liquid soap with aloe vera extract,
- Antibacterial lemon liquid soap with Naturaphy aloe extract,
- Antibacterial lavender liquid soap with Naturaphy aloe vera extract.
What types of glycerin are there?
We can generally divide glycerin into natural and synthetic. Synthetic glycerin is made of propylene, a substance that is made from gasoline. Natural glycerin, on the other hand, can be of animal origin – then it is produced from animal fat or vegetable origin.
Vegetable glycerin is also obtained from fat, but from plants. Palm and coconut oil are the most commonly used as they are the easiest to obtain vegetable oils.
The use of vegetable glycerin in cosmetology
The cosmetics industry is the branch in which the use of vegetable glycerin is probably the most widespread. Vegetable glycerin is used in the production of many different cosmetics, both for women, men and young children, because it is a relatively safe substance.
Vegetable glycerin is used in cosmetics both because of its moisturizing and oiling properties, as well as because it allows you to maintain the appropriate consistency of cosmetics. Among other things, thanks to it, cosmetics do not dry out and do not crystallize. Check out the Ivory Beige foundation by Embryolisse, which, in addition to vegetable glycerin, contains vitamin E and white peony extract.
See also: Cosmetics for teenagers – action and application
Due to its moisturizing properties and improving skin elasticity, vegetable glycerin is commonly added to body creams and lotions. In this case, we recommend the soothing body lotion Vianek, which can be used in combination with shower gel and peeling from the same series. Cosmetics moisturize the skin without drying it. Additionally, they accelerate regeneration and protect against irritation.
It is also a frequent ingredient in special cosmetics designed to protect the skin against the harmful effects of frost and wind. In addition, it is also used by producers of many hair cosmetics. Glycerin strengthens the strands, makes them shiny and also removes frayed ends.
Are you looking for glycerin products? Try the Duetus 2in1 shower gel and shampoo, which contains not only glycerin, but also mallow flower extract.
What are the healing properties of glycerin?
Glycerin is a substance commonly used in medicine. You can buy it in a pharmacy in various forms. Most often it simply comes as a liquid solution, drops, or suppositories. Glycerin suppositories have a laxative effect by directly stimulating intestinal peristalsis. Oral plant glycerin also works in a similar way. Eye drops with glycerin are recommended, among others, in the so-called dry eye syndrome, as well as in similar conditions in which the patient experiences burning and dry eyes.
As in cosmetology, also in medicine the moisturizing and greasing properties of glycerin are used. That is why vegetable glycerin is used in the production of various ointments and preparations that are intended to counteract certain skin conditions, including excessive cracking and keratosis of the epidermis. Glycerin also has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Vegetable glycerin in the food industry
Few people realize that plant glycerin is also used in the food industry. Some people use it instead of alcohol to soak the dough. It is also commonly added to various sugar masses, in which it has a similar role as in cosmetics – it allows the mass to be kept moist and elastic.
Where else is vegetable glycerin used?
Vegetable glycerin has many other uses as well. It is used, inter alia, in the production of dyes, explosives, and in the automotive industry for the production of cooling and brake fluids. Vegetable glycerin is also used in tanning as it dries the skin and for the production of e-cigarette liquids.
What are the contraindications to the use of vegetable glycerin?
Vegetable glycerin is a substance that is considered safe. In rare cases, however, it can cause allergies, and then usually a characteristic red rash appears on the surface of the skin. A very small percentage of people are allergic to glycerol. In this case, you should avoid cosmetics that use glycerin. However, it is worth remembering that it is glycerin that is considered a relatively safe substance, unlike paraffin, which is also quite often added to cosmetics.
When using glycerin in cosmetics, it is good to check its amount in the composition of the product. Usually, cosmetics with glycerin contain 5 to 15 percent of it, but there are also those in which there is more of this substance. When buying cosmetics, remember that the amount of vegetable glycerin should not exceed 25 percent. of the entire product, because then the cosmetic may have a drying effect.