Glycerin is one of the most commonly used ingredients in skincare and cosmetics products, and it's also gaining popularity in DIY (do-it-yourself) skincare. That's because it checks all the boxes when it comes to personal care products: it's safe, affordable, easy to find, and, most importantly, it makes the skin look its best.
Here's the lowdown on what glycerin is, how glycerin is good for the face, and any potential risks of glycerin for the face.
What is Glycerin
Because of the benefits of glycerin for the face, it is a common ingredient in many cosmetic and skincare products such as lotion, creams, and soaps.
Glycerin, commonly known as glycerol or glycerine, is a colourless liquid with a pleasantly sweet flavour and the viscosity and consistency of a syrup. Glycerin is available in both natural and synthetic forms. Natural glycerin is present in animal and vegetable fat, which explains why it offers so many skin benefits.
Glycerin is a natural humectant and is the reason why it is so effective at moisturising the skin. Humectants absorb moisture from the air and bind it to the skin. Furthermore, glycerin may mirror the skin's natural moisturising components, which is why it is so generally suited.
Is Glycerin Good for Face?
Glycerin is beneficial for the face because it is a powerful humectant that keeps the skin hydrated for an extended period of time. Its non-comedogenic and non-allergenic properties make it a viable option for facial use. Glycerin is made primarily from plant sources. As a result, it forms a major constituent of baby products and skincare products for people with dry, oily, sensitive, or combination skin.
Benefits of glycerin on the face include protecting the facial skin from allergens in the environment. It also aids in cell regeneration, which is essential for wound healing. Most importantly, glycerin can help slow down the ageing process and keep your skin firm, wrinkle-free for longer.
Ways to Use Glycerin on Face
You can use glycerine for the face in multiple ways. Glycerin use for the face is not limited to just one or two products but a variety of products owing to its suitability for all skin types.
Glycerin is usually premixed with other substances such as plant oils, rose water, and liquid soap to form the vehicle of a moisturiser or other moisturising skin care products.
1. As a face wash
Glycerin for the face in the form of a face wash is great for people with dry skin. Add two to three drops of glycerin to the regular cleanser and proceed to wash your face as usual. For those struggling with dry skin, this will avoid the tight, itchy feeling after washing your face.
2. As a moisturising toner
The pore-tightening advantages of glycerin-based toner are incredible. To make a pore-tightening home remedy, combine a few drops of glycerin with a natural organic toner. One can use natural organic toners with aloe vera, rose water, lavender water, or other options that would help with different skin types.
3. As a face mask
Face masks are ideal in providing the skin with the essential nutrients it requires. You need two teaspoons of bentonite clay, half a teaspoon of glycerin, two tablespoons of rose water, and two drops of any essential oil to prepare a glycerin-based face mask. Mix thoroughly and apply evenly over the face.
4. As a face serum
Prepare a serum by combining five drops of pure glycerin, one lemon's juice, and 20 millilitres (ml) rose water in a small mixing bowl. Fill a tiny bottle or a spray bottle halfway with the mixture.
Apply the liquid to the face with fingers or a cotton swab regularly. This can be used as a mist after wearing makeup for that extra glow. This serum should be kept in the refrigerator. Pure glycerine is a better option than synthetic or animal-based alternatives.
5. A de-tan mask
Try this quick and easy mask to brighten your skin tone. Take an overripe banana and mash it up nicely with a spoonful of glycerin. Mix everything until it's a gloopy paste. Slather it liberally on the face and leave it on for 10-15 minutes like a mask. Wash it off, and dab the face gently with a towel to see a bright and radiant tone.
6. As a lip balm
Other glycerin uses for the face include lip moisturising and lip softening. Chemical-based lip balms are harsher and less hydrating than glycerin-based lip balms. Combine shea butter, cocoa butter, or coconut oil with glycerin. After washing the lips, apply it. Allow it to absorb overnight. You will have luscious, soft lips in no time.
Benefits of Glycerin on Face
Glycerin is the primary backbone of most vital lipids, the oils found within the skin. The benefits of glycerin on the face are due to its strong affinity for the skin. Glycerin is an easy approach to get exceptionally smooth and moisturised skin without the need for additional products.
Read the following list of benefits to know why glycerin is good for the face.
1. Anti-ageing properties
One of the most significant advantages of using glycerin on the face is that it helps slow ageing and keeps the skin looking young.
Low levels of collagen and elastin production lead to ageing of the skin. The ageing process causes the skin to become drier, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles to emerge. When used on the face, glycerin helps attract moisture to the top layers of the skin, keeping it fresh and healthy for longer.
2. A superb moisturiser
Glycerin's humectant characteristic is what makes it such a good moisturiser. Glycerin assures that moisture evaporation from the skin's surface is significantly slowed. This keeps the face skin pliable and silky throughout the day. Glycerin-based moisturisers are also vital to apply in the colder months since they keep the skin soft, hydrated, and supple even throughout the dry winter months.
3. A de-tanning agent
Many are unaware of the use of glycerin for face whitening and de-tanning. Because it works as a barrier against the sun's damaging rays and environmental contaminants while sealing in moisture, it can be used as a moderate sunscreen. Glycerin can also help to get back your original complexion. It eliminates dirt blocked in pores, lightens skin that was previously tanned.
4. Anti-acne properties
Despite its moisturising and hydrating characteristics, glycerin is oil-free and non-comedogenic. Even for oily acne-prone skin, it's a good moisturiser. It prevents clogging of skin pores. In addition, it soothes and calms skin, preventing acne from spreading further.
5. Fights skin conditions
Glycerin is beneficial to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis as it helps skin cells mature on a regular schedule. Dermal cell maturation is essential because skin cells in psoriasis begin to shed before they reach complete maturity, resulting in thick, scaly skin.
Adding glycerin to the skincare routine permits them to mature properly and stop the abnormal shedding. This characteristic of glycerin also aids in wound healing. It also helps in fighting fungal infections or eczema by assisting in the skin repair and regeneration process.
6. A solution for stubborn blackheads
In many instances, repeated facials or over-the-counter treatments can not remove the unsightly black dots. Since Glycerin acts as a humectant, it is one of those wonder ingredients that works beautifully on blackheads. By keeping the skin hydrated and moisturised, it keeps the pores open, facilitating the easy removal of blackheads.
Pro tip: Combine a tablespoon of Multani mitti (Fuller's earth), four tablespoons of coarsely grounded almond powder, and two teaspoons of glycerin in a small mixing bowl.
Apply a thin layer to the affected area, and allow it to dry. Wash off the mask and observe how the blackheads vanish.
7. Anti-inflammatory properties
Skin that is dry, dehydrated, or injured takes longer to recover. Glycerin not only helps to repair damaged skin but also helps to stimulate cell regeneration, which is vital for keeping skin healthy and conditioned.
Additionally, in skin problems like fungal infections, eczema, or psoriasis, using a topical treatment with glycerin as one of the ingredients will speed up the healing process.
8. Creates a protective layer over the skin
Glycerin helps to expand and thicken the epidermal layer of the skin, which is a fantastic benefit of applying it on the face. It develops a protective layer on the skin's surface to prevent moisture loss.
Glycerin protects your skin from hazardous environmental substances. The skin is damaged and too fragile to protect itself from environmental aggressors when it is dry. Glycerin locks in moisture and provides hydration for a longer time.
9. Friendly to sensitive and delicate skin.
If you have sensitive, acne-prone skin, you need to be careful of the skincare products that you use. Using random products may irritate the skin, increasing inflammation and irritation.
Glycerin is a harmless component, even for those with sensitive skin. Glycerin is non-irritating, non-comedogenic, oil-free, and a perfect solution for all skin problems, regardless of how sensitive the skin is.
10. As a lip moisturiser
While most women use commercially available, chemical-laden lip balms to combat this issue, glycerin acts as a natural moisturiser for your lips.
Also Read: Glycerin for Skin Whitening: Does It Work and Is It Safe?
Can You Leave Glycerin Overnight on Your Face?
Glycerin absorbs moisture from deep inside layers of skin as well as the surrounding environment because it is a humectant. As a result, leaving it on overnight will dry up the skin and cause it to age faster in the long run. It's better to apply and then wash it off after 15-20 minutes. Ensure that you use the purest variety of glycerin.
Precautions While Using Glycerin on Face
- The face has more fragile skin than the rest of the body. Glycerin can dry the skin in some situations. Therefore diluting it with water or another substance is essential to avoid dryness.
- Glycerin should not be applied straight to the face. Before use, dilute it with rose water, a lotion, or a face cleanser for best results.
- Before applying glycerin-containing cosmetics for the first time, perform a patch test. Apply a small amount to a small patch of skin and wait 24 hours to see if any reaction occurs. It's always safer to undergo a patch test to check any sensitivity responses.
- Allergy to glycerin presents with the following symptoms:
- Redness of the skin
- Skin irritation
- Swelling
- Itching
- Skin peeling or flakiness
- Hives
- Discomfort
- Allergic reactions could be due to another chemical in the skincare product if you are not allergic to glycerin.
- Check with the doctor before using glycerin to ensure it's right for your skin type and won't interact with any existing medical conditions.
- Sun sensitivity is a side effect of glycerin. It is recommended to use glycerin before going to bed. For using it during the day, make sure to wear sunscreen beforehand.
Glycerin for Face Side Effects
The side effects of glycerine for face are not many, and you may just suffer from an allergic reaction. If you are allergic to glycerin or to products containing glycerin, then it is best to avoid using glycerin.
Glycerol Vs. Glycerin
Glycerol and glycerin both are chemically the same. Propane-1,2,3-triol is the chemical base for both compounds.
The distinction between glycerol and glycerin is that glycerol is formed from glycerin. Even though the chemical formulas are identical, they cannot be used interchangeably.
Even though the molecule is the same, chemically speaking, the formulation and concentration differ between glycerin and glycerol. Based on the intended usage - industrial or dermatological - the appropriate composition and name must be used.
Summing Up on Glycerine for Face
Glycerin has been a common ingredient in skin care products for decades. Glycerin aids in the retention of moisture, damage repair, and prevention of infections in the skin. While glycerin can help with overall skin health, it's not designed to whiten or lighten skin. But, it has exfoliating qualities that prevent tanning. Glycerin is useful as a face pack, serum, toner and face mist.
For preparing the serum or face pack, be sure of any allergies to the other ingredients. Stop using glycerin on the face in case of an allergic response, like irritation or redness, after applying it. Glycerin will sting and burn severely if it goes into the eyes. However, it will settle down soon, and nothing will be wrong with your eyes.
FAQ
1. Can I Use Glycerine on My Face Daily?
Yes. Glycerin can be used as a moisturiser as part of your regular skincare routine. However, because glycerin is thick, putting only it to the face may not be a good idea. It attracts dust, which can lead to acne and pimples. Dilute the glycerine with water or a small amount of rose water before putting it on the face.
2. Does Glycerin Darken Skin?
No, using glycerine for the face will not make the skin darker. Glycerine is neither a lightening agent that helps with face whitening nor does it further darken the skin. It can help with de-tanning a person’s skin.
3. Can Glycerine Cause Pimples?
No, glycerin is non-comedogenic. This means that it won't cause pimples. It won't clog your skin pores and avoid pimples even in oily skin.
4. Can We Apply Glycerin Directly on Our Face?
Yes, applying glycerin directly on the face is completely safe. Glycerin is a part of a variety of facial creams and cleansers. It absorbs and attracts moisture, dirt, and pollutants that can cause skin irritation. However, dilute the glycerin that you wish to use with some rose water before use. Glycerin acts as a milder, non-toxic alternative and has great benefits on your skin.
References
- M Lodén, W Wessman, April 2003;The influence of a cream containing 20% glycerin and its vehicle on skin barrier properties - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18498456/
- J W Fluhr, R Darlenski, C Surber, July 2008;Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18510666/
- Reto I Peirano, Volker Achterberg, Hans-Jürgen Düsing, Mehdi Akhiani, Urte Koop, Sören Jaspers, Andrea Krüger, Helge Schwengler, December 2011;Dermal penetration of creatine from a face-care formulation containing creatine, guarana and glycerol is linked to effective antiwrinkle and antisagging efficacy in male subjects - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22151935/
- L Overgaard Olsen, G B Jemec, December 1993;The influence of water, glycerin, paraffin oil and ethanol on skin mechanics - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7906448/
