In this blog we take a closer look at the ingredient list of our favourite products: vegetable glycerine hydrates, protects and softens the skin. This natural ingredient prevents dryness, strengthens the skin barrier and is widely used in creams, lotions and hair care.
Do you ever look at the ingredient list of your skincare products and wonder what it all means? Glycerine, also known as Glycerin, is a very common ingredient in skincare and cosmetics. In short, Glycerin is a moisturising ingredient that helps with hydration. But what exactly is glycerine? What does it mean for your skin? Why would you buy a product with glycerine? And why is it used so much? In this blog series we take a closer look at the ingredients in our favourite products. Looking for a skincare product with vegetable glycerine? Then you've come to the right webshop. Read on.
#1 Glycerine: what is it?
#2 Under which names can I find vegetable glycerine on the packaging?
#3 What are the benefits of glycerine for your skin?
#4 Which products contain vegetable glycerine?
#5 What is the difference between glycerine and glycerol?
#6 Which of these benefits of vegetable glycerine would you like to enjoy?
#1 Glycerine: what is it?
Glycerin is a colourless, viscous (syrupy) liquid known for its hydrating properties. It's a versatile ingredient used in cosmetics, skincare and pharmaceutical products. Glycerine is a moisture-retaining ingredient, also described as a “humectant”. This means it attracts and holds on to moisture, which is why it's often used in moisturisers and creams. Thanks to its gentle, non-irritating properties, glycerine is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin!
Is glycerine a natural product?
Glycerine can be produced both naturally and synthetically. Synthetic glycerine is made from petroleum or through chemical processes. Vegetable glycerine, on the other hand, is obtained by heating fats and oils (such as coconut or palm oil) under pressure, which separates the glycerine from the fatty acids. This process is often used in soap making.
#2 Under which names can I find vegetable glycerine on the packaging?
Not all packaging is the same. Glycerine can appear on the label under different names, depending on the type of product and the industry. Here's a handy overview:
- Glycerol (this is the pure form, as explained earlier)
- Glycerin (English spelling, often used in cosmetics)
- E422 (as an additive in food)
- Propane-1,2,3-triol (chemical name)
- Vegetable Glycerin (specifically plant-based glycerine)
- Pharmaceutical Glycerine (in medical products)
In cosmetic ingredient lists it's usually listed as Glycerin. In food, E422 is the most common name. Also look out for terms such as "natural humectant" or "plant-based emollient," which may point to glycerine. Curious about facial care products with vegetable glycerine? You'll find them at Grace is Green. Always tested for sustainability.
#3 What are the benefits of glycerine for your skin?
Thinking of buying a product with glycerine? Glycerine is a powerful hydrating ingredient and offers your skin plenty of benefits:
- Intense hydration – Glycerine draws moisture from the air and helps hold it in the skin. This prevents dryness and leaves your skin lovely and soft! Just like the Derma Eco hand cream
- Protecting the skin barrier – The extra layer of cream with glycerin forms a protective layer on the skin, reducing moisture loss. It also helps strengthen your natural skin barrier!
- Soothing effect – Glycerin is gentle on the skin, even for people with skin irritation or sensitive skin. Thanks to the extra hydration, it actually has a soothing effect.
- Anti-ageing effect – Glycerine helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles by keeping the skin well hydrated and its moisture balance intact. This gives your skin a more radiant look!
#4 Which products contain vegetable glycerine?
Glycerine is an ingredient that's very common in personal care products. You'll find it in a wide range of skin and hair care products. Here are a few examples:
- Face creams and moisturisers – Helps keep the skin hydrated and supple; also often found in anti-ageing creams because it helps restore the moisture balance.
- Body lotions and Derma Eco hand creams – These products often contain glycerine to restore dry, chapped skin.
- Soap and shower gels – Glycerine stops the skin from drying out after washing. That's why a soap with glycerine keeps your skin in balance.
- Shampoo and conditioners – Glycerine helps maintain the moisture level of the hair and scalp, which is why it's often added to hair care products.
- Lip care – Lip balms often contain glycerine to keep lips soft and hydrated. Ideal for dry winter days or when your lips feel chapped from the sun!
Take a look at our natural personal care products with vegetable glycerine!
#5 What is the difference between glycerine and glycerol?
It can be confusing at times, and the terms glycerol and glycerin are sometimes used interchangeably. They usually refer to the same thing, but there's a small, subtle difference.
- Glycerol is the chemical name for the sugar alcohol and describes the pure chemical compound.
- Glycerine is the commercial name for a mixture that consists mainly of glycerol, but may also contain some water and other substances.
The pharmaceutical and chemical industries use the pure substance glycerol, while in practice glycerine is used in cosmetics, medicines and food. So when you look at your product's packaging, you'll usually see glycerine listed. In short: glycerol is the pure substance, while glycerine is a mixture in which glycerol is the main component.
View products with vegetable glycerine
#6 Which of these benefits of vegetable glycerine would you like to enjoy?
In short, glycerine is an essential ingredient that makes a huge contribution to skin hydration. Both synthetic and vegetable glycerine offer plenty of benefits for your skin! Glycerine boosts the health of your skin and your skin barrier, protects it from drying out, soothes sensitive skin and makes your skin glow again! Want to experience the benefits of glycerine for yourself? Will you go for a lovely soothing skin cream or a hydrating face cream? Choose a product that's gentle on your skin and on the environment.
Order your personal care products with vegetable glycerine from Grace is Green now and give your skin a gift.