The Good of Glycerin

So, what exactly is Glycerin? 

I must admit I didn’t know much about Glycerin before writing this post even after years spent working in the cosmetics industry.  If I was playing one of those word games and Glycerin came out, I’d probably shout “SOAP!” without a second thought.  And it’s true – Glycerin is a component of many, many personal products we use because of its ability to work well with even the most sensitive skin and keep it soft and moisturized.  It’s found in skincare from cleansers to creams, in shampoo and hair styling products as well as shaving cream, primarily because (dermatologists can’t stress this enough) it is a fabulous humectant and moisture go-getter. 

While we’re at it, what is a humectant? 

In skincare, humectants attract moisture to your skin’s surface and act like a super sponge.  They also create a protective barrier to seal that moisture in, so your skin looks dewy and feels well hydrated.  As Debbie D’Aquino, Head of Product Innovation for Care Skincare has mentioned, the first job of any moisturizer is to hydrate your skin.  When skin is healthy and hydrated, that’s when you get the compliments – “Wow your skin really looks amazing!” or “Did you go on a spa-cation?” 

How does Glycerin help maintain your moisture barrier? 

Humectants are essential in skincare because water makes up the composition of over 90% of our skin.  Putting this moisture back into our skin as it gets depleted and keeping this in balance is crucial.  When it comes to the moisture barrier, dermatologists sometimes use the “leaky bucket” analogy.  When your barrier is “leaky” or compromised, that can open the door to lots and lots of issues with your skin (dryness, irritation, dullness, inflammation) and even age it prematurely. 

Per Debbie, hydration shouldn’t be understated when it comes to the health of your skin. 

Are we warming up to Glycerin yet? 

Another interesting fact about Glycerin is that it feels a little warm after it is applied.  That’s because this compound bonds with the moisture in your skin and builds heat, producing an exothermic (or warming) reaction.  This phenomenon also loosens any dirt or oil (which is a valuable quality to have in a cleanser or toner). 

And now for something pretty cool… 

All of Care Skincare’s expertly created, curated and dermatologist tested formulas contain plant-based Glycerin to fortify and protect your moisture barrier and hydration levels.  If you have any questions or comments on this marvelously useful, multi-tasking ingredient, we would love to hear back from you. 

With Thanks & Care, 

Michelle