Ingredient Focus: Glycerin
Glycerin, also known as glycerol, is a natural compound derived from plant based oils and animal fats. It’s a clear and colourless liquid and is the third most frequently used ingredient in cosmetics, behind water and fragrance.
Glycerin was discovered in 1779 by a Swedish chemist who was heating up an olive oil mixture. They identified the resulting fat as glycerin. The ingredient also occurs naturally in fermented goods such as beer, wine, and bread.
Since the mid 19th century, glycerin has been used to create soap. This process involves heating up certain plant oils and allowing the solution to cool and harden into bar form.
Glycerin is also widely used in the food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. Glycerin is a common ingredient in pharmaceutical drugs, including heart medication and anesthetics. You’ll most likely find it in soaps, candles, lotions, deodorants and make up too!
Glycerin is a firm favourite within skin care products as it is a humectant (a type of moisturising agent that pulls water into the outer layer of your skin from deeper levels of your skin and the air). It has been proven to hydrate the outer layer of the skin, provide protection against skin irritation, accelerate wound-healing and improve skin barrier function. It can also act as a barrier to safeguard your skin from the elements, including wind and cold.
We highly recommend the Symbiosis Collagen and Glycerin Lip Line Replenishing Serum. Containing glycerin, this lip replenishing serum is specifically designed to condition, revitalize and calm your lips. Glycerin aims to hydrate and soften skin, making it the perfect remedy for dry lips. Great for winter!
Additionally, you can purchase the Grums Aarhus Hydra Calm Face Cream from Level 7 Beauty Hall. A rapidly absorbed, hydrating and calming face cream for regular and sensitive skin. This product contains extracts from upcycled coffee grounds, providing calming and protecting antioxidant properties. Blended with water-binding glycerin and hyaluronic acid, as well as soothing extracts of seaweed, rich in both minerals and amino acids. At only £28, this face cream is absolutely worth it.
If you’re interested in exploring our full range of products containing glycerin, you can click here to view them.