Glycerine Uses for Skin and Face: Benefits and Side Effects

Glycerine is a versatile ingredient that has been used for centuries in skincare routines. Its exceptional moisturising and protective properties make it a popular choice for those looking to enhance their skin’s health and appearance. From hydrating the skin to reducing the appearance of wrinkles, glycerine uses for skin and face are numerous and well-documented. In this article, we will explore the benefits of glycerine and how it can help you achieve glowing, healthy skin.

What is Glycerin?

Glycerin, also known as glycerol, is a colourless, odourless, and viscous liquid that is derived from vegetable oils and animal fats. It is a simple polyol compound with the chemical formula C₃H₈O₃. Glycerin is non-toxic, sweet-tasting, and hygroscopic, meaning it attracts and retains moisture. This property makes it an effective humectant, drawing water from the deeper layers of the skin to the surface, enhancing hydration and elasticity. Glycerin is widely used in skincare products due to its ability to improve the skin’s moisture content and overall appearance. In the next section, we will delve into the various benefits of glycerine for the skin and face.

Uses of Glycerine

Glycerine has a wide range of applications across various industries.

1. Skincare

Glycerine offers numerous benefits for skin hydration and protection:

• Acts as a humectant, drawing moisture from the environment and skin layers for deep hydration.
• Strengthens the skin barrier, preventing moisture loss and protecting sensitive skin.
• Combats dryness by retaining moisture, especially when paired with occlusives like dimethicone.
• Provides non-comedogenic hydration for acne-prone skin, balancing moisture without clogging pores.

2. Hair Care

Glycerine offers multiple benefits for hair care:

• Hydrates hair and scalp, reducing dryness and flaking
• Improves softness and manageability, especially for curly, thick, or dry hair
• Strengthens hair, helping  prevent breakage and split ends
• Adds shine and maintains healthy hair for all types, including straight, wavy, and curly

3. Medical Uses

Glycerine has a range of uses in different fields:

• In medicine, glycerine plays multiple roles. It is often used topically to treat dry skin conditions like xerosis and ichthyosis by improving skin hydration and barrier function. Rectally, it acts as a mild osmotic laxative, helping relieve occasional constipation by drawing water into the intestines. Oral glycerine solutions may be used to temporarily lower intraocular pressure in acute angle-closure glaucoma emergencies. In transfusion medicine, glycerine is also used to preserve red blood cells before freezing.
• Note: The use of oral glycerine for intraocular pressure management should always be supervised by a healthcare provider and is not a routine treatment.

4. Food Industry

Glycerine is widely used in the food industry for various purposes:

• Prevents moisture loss in dried fruits, nutrition bars, and candy.
• Acts as a flavour carrier in soft drinks and confections, evenly distributing flavourings.
• Preserves botanical extracts and maintains texture in baked goods like cakes.

5. Household Applications

Glycerine is a versatile ingredient found in a variety of personal care and cleaning products:

• Used in toothpaste, mouthwashes, shaving cream, soaps, and lubricants for its moisturising and lubricating properties.
• In skin cleansers, it softens the skin during the cleansing process.
• Incorporated into bio-ink formulations for bioprinting, adding viscosity without large protein or saccharide molecules.

Benefits of Glycerine

Glycerine offers numerous skincare benefits, making it a staple in many products:

• Hydration: As a humectant, glycerine draws moisture into the skin, providing long-lasting hydration, which is ideal for dry or dehydrated skin and conditions like eczema and dermatitis.
• Anti-Aging: By plumping the skin and filling gaps in the intercellular matrix, glycerine helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, promoting a youthful appearance.
• Skin Barrier: It strengthens the skin’s barrier, protecting against moisture loss, environmental stressors, and irritation.
• Antimicrobial: While not strongly antimicrobial on its own, glycerine can enhance the effects of antimicrobial agents such as alcohol. This is why it is often used in hand sanitizers and wound care products.
• Skin-Replenishing: Glycerine aids in healthy skin cell maturation, helping  treat conditions like psoriasis by reducing inflammation and supporting wound healing.
• Natural Preservative: While not a preservative on its own, glycerine’s moisture-retaining properties help maintain the stability of skincare formulations when used with other ingredients.

How to Use Glycerine on Face?

Glycerine can be easily incorporated into your daily skincare routine to maximise its benefits for your skin and face. Here are some simple ways to use glycerine on your face:

• Apply products containing glycerine immediately after showering to lock in moisture and keep your skin hydrated.
• Choose a face wash that includes glycerine to avoid harsh agents and maintain gentle skin care.
• Use a moisturiser or gel cream containing glycerine, especially before bed, to enhance skin hydration and elasticity.
• Apply sunscreen with glycerine to protect your skin from the sun while maintaining hydration.
• Add glycerine to your skin cleansers to soften the skin during the cleansing process.

Avoid applying undiluted glycerine directly to the face in dry climates, as it may draw moisture from deeper skin layers, causing dehydration.

While glycerine is generally well-tolerated, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects.

Side Effects of Glycerine

Although glycerine is considered safe for most people, there are some potential side effects to keep in mind:

• Rarely, glycerine can cause allergic reactions such as rash, hives, itching, redness, or peeling skin.
• Allergic contact dermatitis is very rare but can occur; patch testing by a dermatologist may be helpful.
• Although uncommon, some individuals may experience skin irritation or sensitivity.

If you experience any adverse reactions while using glycerine on your face, discontinue use and consult with your doctor or dermatologist.

Conclusion

Glycerine is a powerhouse ingredient in modern skincare and personal care products. Its humectant properties make it a top choice for maintaining skin hydration, improving elasticity, and enhancing skin barrier function. It is suitable for all skin types—including dry, oily, combination, and sensitive—and can be found in a wide range of cleansers, moisturisers, and serums. When used correctly, glycerine can help you achieve softer, more supple skin without significant risk of irritation. However, always be mindful of how your skin reacts, and consult a dermatologist if you have any concerns or underlying skin conditions. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References:

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• Fluhr, J. W., Darlenski, R., & Surber, C. (2008). Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions. The British Journal of Dermatology, 159(1), 23–34. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.2008.08643.x
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• Enhancing skin hydration and barrier function via skin penetration of monoglycerides and sustained glycerin release. (2017). Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 76(6), AB122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2017.04.476
• Roussel, L., Atrux-Tallau, N., & Pirot, F. (2012). Glycerol as a Skin Barrier Influencing Humectant. Treatment of Dry Skin Syndrome, 473–480. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27606-4_32