Glycerine, Glycerol

Product Benefits

• Moisturises and nourishes dry skin

• Soothes the skin

• Calms and balances the complexion

• Reduces redness

• Improves skin texture

• Suitable for eczema-prone skin

• Suitable for psoriasis-prone skin

• Vegan and cruelty-free

• Derived from rapeseed oil

• Biodegradable and 100% plant-based

Product Description

Glycerine, also known as Glycerin or Glycerol, is a versatile, colourless, odourless liquid with a sweet taste and a sticky consistency. According to the CRC Handbook, chemical data such as vapor pressure, melting point, and density confirm its stability and low volatility. Its chemical structure is a glycerol backbone, and its systematic name, 1,2,3-propanetriol, is also known as it. Glycerine is often used interchangeably with glycerol in commercial and scientific contexts.

We use it in many of our skincare and haircare products because of its moisturising and softening properties. Aromantic’s Glycerine is made from oils such as rapeseed oil, so it’s 100% vegetable-derived and suitable for vegan formulations.

It’s a humectant, meaning it draws moisture into the skin and helps retain it. So it’s great for dry, dehydrated, or rough skin. It also improves product texture, skin feel, and helps calm and balance the complexion. Our vegetable Glycerine is used in moisturisers, lotions, hand creams, serums, liquid soaps, hair balms, and more. It’s water-soluble and blends with both aqueous solutions and emulsion systems. Glycerine’s low vapor pressure means it’s stable and low volatility in formulations. Glycerine’s ability to hydrate and smooth the skin makes it a must-have for every formulator. In addition to being used in formulations, glycerine is a solvent and is classified as an organic compound. The glycerol content in commercial preparations is controlled; high purity is essential for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications.

Historical Background

Glycerol, also spelled glycerin or glycerine, has a rich history dating back to 1779 when Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele first isolated it from olive oil. Originally, this simple compound was obtained from natural fats, but as technology advanced, the production of glycerol shifted to more efficient methods. Today, it’s mainly produced as a byproduct of biodiesel production and from propylene, making it more accessible and sustainable for wider use.

Over the centuries, glycerol has become a key ingredient in many industries. In the food industry, it’s used as a food additive, humectant, and sweetening agent to maintain moisture and texture in foods and drinks. As a solvent, it’s also indispensable in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, where it’s used to formulate creams, lotions, and other personal care products. The versatility of glycerol has ensured its continued importance, with its chemical composition and functional properties making it a staple in both traditional and modern applications.

Humectant Power for Deep Hydration and Glycerol Metabolism

When used in skincare, Glycerine acts like a magnet for moisture. It draws water from the environment and deeper skin layers to the surface of the skin, making it look plumper and more radiant. This is especially helpful in the winter months when the skin is more prone to dryness and flakiness. Used at the right concentration, it boosts hydration beautifully without drawing moisture away from the skin which it can do if at a too high concentration in the product.

Suitable for Sensitive and Redness-Prone Skin

Vegetable Glycerine is gentle and non-irritating, making it perfect for formulations for sensitive or redness-prone skin. It soothes discomfort, reduces redness, and supports a calm and balanced complexion.

Haircare Applications

In haircare, Glycerine is used in shampoos, conditioners, and styling products to soften and smooth the hair. It retains moisture in the hair shaft, reduces frizz, and leaves the hair looking shiny and manageable.

Environmental Impact

The environmental impact of glycerol is generally considered to be favourable, especially when compared to other chemicals used in industrial and consumer products. Glycerol is biodegradable and non-toxic, so it poses minimal risk to the environment under normal conditions. However, when large quantities are released into aquatic ecosystems, glycerol can alter water chemistry and potentially affect aquatic life, so responsible disposal and management are key.

The method of production also plays a significant role in glycerol’s environmental footprint. Glycerol derived from renewable sources, such as vegetable oils through biodiesel production, tends to have a lower impact on greenhouse gas emissions compared to glycerol produced from fossil fuels like propylene. As demand for glycerol continues to grow in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries, ongoing efforts to improve production efficiency and shift towards renewable resources are essential to minimize environmental risks. By choosing glycerol from sustainable sources, formulators and manufacturers can help reduce the overall environmental impact of this widely used ingredient.

How to use it

Usage Rate: 2% to 4% typically, though up to 20% may be used in rinse-off products.

How to Incorporate:

• Add to the water phase of emulsions.

• Blend into lotions, toners, serums, gels, soaps, and cleansers.

• Suitable for hot and cold process formulations.

Pro Tip: Combine Glycerine with botanical extracts or aloe vera for added skin-soothing benefits and enhanced hydration.