You have certainly heard or seen in the composition of some product the presence of glycerin. It is widely used, for example, in soaps. But do you know why?
After all, what is glycerin? What benefits does it offer to the skin? Can it also be used on hair? These are just some doubts on the subject.
Helena Costa, dermatologist and member of the Brazilian Society of Laser in Medicine and Surgery and director of the Helena Costa Clinic (Rio de Janeiro), explains that glycerin, or glycol, is a colorless or yellow sugar alcohol with the consistency of a syrup. which is extracted from natural or synthesized sources.
Glycerin is used as an antifreeze, sweetener and as a basis in the manufacturing formula for explosives, paints and lubricants. For a while now, it has also been used in skin and hair care products because of its moisturizing characteristics and skin protection ?, explains Helena.
One point that causes much confusion is the difference between vegetable glycerine and bistilled glycerine. Alessandra Drummond, dermatologist at the Murilo Drummond Clinic (Rio de Janeiro), with specialization at Professor Rubem David Azulay Institute of Dermatology, explains that vegetable glycerin is also known as glycerol. It is a carbohydrate derived from vegetable oils such as coconut oil. Is it a viscous colorless liquid highly soluble in water?
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But the distilled glycerin may be of animal origin. This is because many soap industries use animal fat (beef and pork tallow) as the basis for soap production and glycerin, in turn, is a byproduct of this process (it is removed from the soap for sale).
So, especially for those who want to avoid using animal products, the tip is to bet on vegetable glycerin (and not on distilled glycerin). But, it is worth mentioning: both are glycerin, a substance that has moisturizing and humectant action (promotes moisture retention).
5 Benefits Of Glycerin For Skin, Hair And Nails
Want to know why glycerin is present in many products, especially skin and hair care? Below you know the main benefits it offers:
1. Moisturizing and softness to the wires
Alessandra points out that glycerin has moisturizing effects on hair and softness, provided it is used correctly.
Helena explains that she extracts moisture from the air, taking it to the wires. It also provides a barrier. around the wires, keeping the moisture inside them, he says.
2. Hair Strengthening
Helena adds that, in addition to the moisturizing benefits, glycerin also helps strengthen hair, reducing breakage and formation of dry and split ends.
3. Skin Rejuvenation
Helena explains that glycerin helps to make the skin softer. "As a result, it can look younger," he says.
Also according to the dermatologist, a study conducted in 2003 in Denmark showed that the elasticity of the skin improved greatly after just 10 minutes of glycerin application.
Thus, glycerin has already been used in products to activate skin tone, helping to reduce wrinkles and age signs. She won't take it off. wrinkles, but can alleviate the visual picture ?, highlights Helena.
4. Moisturizing for the skin
As well as the property of moisturizing hair, Alessandra points out, vegetable glycerin also moisturizes the body, "provided it is used in the proper concentration."
Helena points out that the natural substance works as a humectant because its presence attracts water to the skin to restore its elasticity.
5. Moisturizing for nails and cuticles
Vegetable glycerin also helps moisturize nails and cuticles. "The best way to moisturize nails is with products in the form of oil, not cream, so glycerine would be better," explains Alessandra.
How to use vegetable glycerin?
Knowing the benefits of vegetable glycerin, most people ask: how can / should it be used? Are there any homemade recipes that can be made with the substance? Below the professionals give their guidelines.
In the hair:
Helena says glycerin can be used as an ingredient in shampoos, masks and conditioners.
Alessandra points out that is not much in favor of homemade formulas. Because the amount of water to dissolve glycerin influences the result. It can be added to any shampoo or conditioner. If the humidity of the environment is adequate, it would attract water to the hair, keeping it hydrated. However, if applied incorrectly, it can have the opposite effect.A homemade dilution should vary according to the type of hair and also the humidity of the air ?, explains.
On the face and body:
Alessandra explains that vegetable glycerin is added to various cosmetics to increase hydration and also product degradation in packaging. ? It is an added benefit, much better if used in formulas already established, in the ideal concentration ?, highlights.
The dermatologist adds that glycerin soaps are great for sensitive skin of the face and body. "Pure glycerin should not be used on the skin as it can attract body water and dry rather than hydrate," he says.
Several products, according to Alessandra, combine the substance with others that come into balance. "Home mixes always pose the risk of major allergic reactions from using products in their raw form, sometimes even resulting in hospitalization," he warns.
Helena points out that it is not advisable to use glycerin on the skin in its pure form, as it can increase water loss by attracting water from the lower layers of the skin to the superficial layers (where water can be easily evaporated). For this reason, glycerin and humectants in general are combined with other ingredients to soften the skin. The combination of glycerin with other emollients and / or oils is the fundamental basis of most moisturizers, he says.
Dermatologist Helena explains that to use glycerin on the skin of the body, a solution is to add it to the liquid soap or moisturizer.
For Alessandra, the best option is to bet on soaps and moisturizers that already put glycerin in its composition.
Homemade Recipes with Vegetable Glycerin
Many people have been betting on homemade recipes made with vegetable glycerin, to moisturize hair, skin, nails. Below you give some examples. But it is noteworthy that what offers good results for one person may not offer for others. Therefore, the best way is to seek professional guidance before betting on a homemade recipe.
1. Vegetable glycerin mask to moisturize dry skin: 1 tsp vegetable glycerin + 1 tsp honey + 2 tsp milk or water + 1 tbsp oatmeal. Mix well and apply on face, letting it work for 20 minutes. Then rinse well with warm water.
2. Vegetable glycerin hydration for hair: 1 tablespoon liquid glycerin + 5 tablespoons water + 2 or 3 drops of your preferred essential oil. Apply to hair, let it act for a few minutes and then rinse well.
3. Vegetable Glycerin Hair Mask: Normally used amount of your moisturizing mask + 5 ml of vegetable glycerin + some water. Apply to the wires, put on a cap and let it act for about 20 minutes. Then rinse well.
4. Hydration for the body: 5 ml to 10 ml of vegetable glycerin + 30 ml of water + 30 ml of your preferred moisturizer. Apply the mixture to the skin (only when you feel it is well-wiped out or on the body parts that are most dry).
5. Vegetable Glycerin Spray: 5 ml glycerin + 45 ml water. Put the mixture into a spray-capped bottle. When you want, shake well and apply to the wires as a leave-in.
It is worth mentioning: the best way to enjoy the benefits of vegetable glycerin is by using products that already contain it in its composition.
Homemade recipes always pose a greater risk to skin and hair. The instability of products to the natural is greater, and the reaction of some substances in the sun can be intense. Therefore, one should always seek guidance ?, highlights dermatologist Alessandra.
Where to buy vegetable glycerin?
According to Helena, it is possible to find vegetable glycerin in specialized pharmacies.
On the Soap and Glycerin website, you can find vegetable glycerine base for soap for about $ 9.
On the E-vitamins website, vegetable glycerin costs almost $ 19. But distilled glycerin is often found more easily in pharmacies and is generally cheaper. Remembering that the distillate can be of animal origin. So, for those who do not want to purchase the animal product, the tip is always to carefully read the formulation.
Alessandra points out that the best way is to bet, preferably, on products that have vegetable glycerin in its formula. In the gallery below you can see some examples.
Flower & Vegetable Hand Cream for R $ 8,83 at Seiki Perfume
Glycerin Liquid Soap Granado for R $ 10,48 at Ultrafarma
Surya Conditioner for $ 12.50 at Natue
Lierac Sunific Sunscreen for R $ 59,26 at Cosmetis
Phebo Liquid Soap for $ 12 at Kalunga
Nuxe Body Deodorant for R $ 52,50 at Strawberrynet
Glycerin and Brazil Nut Granulated Soap for $ 2.99 on Netfarma
Caudalie Hand Cream for $ 79 at Sephora
Vegetable Glycerin Base for Soap for $ 9.60 on Soap and Glycerin
La Roche Posay Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for R $ 69,90 at Epoca Cosmeticos
Now Foods Vegetable Glycerin for R $ 18.77 on E-vitamins
Are glycerin soap and soap really good?
It is a fact that many soaps, detergents and soaps contain glycerin in their compositions. But do they become better for the skin than others that do not contain the substance?
Helena explains that glycerin soaps are much more moisturizing for the skin than ordinary soaps.
Alessandra points out that these glycerin products are moisturizing and good for sensitive skin. Glycerin soaps are great for babies, inclusive. "They usually last a little less precisely because of the property of dissolving easily in water," he adds.
Now you know the benefits of vegetable glycerin and you know it might be a good idea to bet on beauty products that contain it in your formulations! But if you have questions about how to use pure glycerin, be sure to talk to a professional you trust. Because when used improperly, the substance can have adverse effects.
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