Vegetable Glycerin in Skincare

Hello gorgeous!!

I can't believe it's Spring already!! Although Spring season is barely here in the south of Mississippi, I'm still excited to know that daylight is longer now! I've never liked the winter season because it's always dark at 5 pm (like hello? It's already nighttime?). What about you guys? Also, don't you think it's now time to wear flattering shirts, tanks, skirts and shorts, and sundresses! Oh, I bet some of you will think of beach and relaxing while soaking in the sun (ugh, definitely not me 'cause UV gets me headache and burnt skin!

Today I'd like to discuss about vegetable glycerin or mostly known as glycerin/glycerine/glycerol. 

Glycerin and glycerol has same chemical formula (C3H8O3) although some people say one is by-product of the other or vice versa. But what are they? According to Paula's choice, glycerin "is present in all natural lipids (fats), whether animal or vegetable. It can be derived from natural substances by hydrolysis of fats. It is a skin-identical ingredient, meaning it is a substance found naturally in skin" Most websites describe it as "odorless, syrupy liquid, sweet, humectant." Vegetable glycerin is usually derived from coconut, soy, and other palm types.

Glycerin is also a popular ingredients to make cosmetics/skincare, lotion, shampoo, toothpaste candles, and even food. Its humectant substance keeps the food moist (for example its often used in cakes, pies) while for skin most likely attracts the moisture from the air keeping the skin from drying out.

Interesting facts: it was founded in 1779 by Karl Scheele but not until second world war did it become popular. It has sweet taste but not causes tooth decay. It is soluble in water and alcohol but not oil.

Now that we know about it, would I consider it safe or good for skin? I would say yes it is both safe and good for our skin. Additionally, having the right emollients in the skincare product will make glycerin works its best to keep our skin moistured without tacky feeling or any cloggings. Some botanical and natural oil would enhance its humectant properties and it won't even cause any bad things whatsoever (clogging, tacky, drying from the inside out, scaling). Don't forget that it is also edible.

Ki Ki from Qi Qi Naturals also uses vegetable glycerin as one ingredients in her green products such as mascara, Lavender hand lotion and toothpaste (sorry this product is currently sold only at a local farmers market-not on Etsy).

I found an interesting formula of liquid foaming hand soap which using glycerin, any soap (castille, liquid or melted from regular soap), essential oils, water and foaming pump bottle. Not only it costs a lot cheaper than regular hand soap, it's moisturizing while providing same benefit as any soap. You can be creative by adding Tea Tree Oil as anti-bacterial agent.
So, next time you see vegetable glycerin in your products, you can be confident that it provides its purpose as a good moisturizer for your skin.

Keep our natural beauty! Enjoy the weather, folks!


- dora -