INGREDIENT INTRODUCTION: Glycerin

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INGREDIENT INTRODUCTION: Glycerin

INGREDIENT INTRODUCTION: Glycerin

Posted 14 July 10

In our very first issue of skin health by Ego, we’d like to introduce you to one of our favourite ingredients – Glycerin. We use Glycerin in many of our cleansers and moisturisers, like QV Gentle Wash and QV Skin Lotion because it is a superior skin-conditioning agent.

Glycerin is a natural component of the human skin and body. And it acts
as a humectant, so it draws moisture to the skin surface and slows or helps
prevent excessive drying and evaporation. This helps the skin to maintain
hydration. Glycerin also provides visible skin conditioning benefits, making
the skin glow and feel soft to touch.

Glycerin is also stable, non-toxic, non-irritating, non-allergic and considered
a rare sensitiser1,2. Which is why most of our cleansers and moisturisers are recommended for people with sensitive skin because they help prevent skin
dryness with their moisturising properties whilst being gentle on the skin.

1 Fisher AA: Contact Dermatitis. 3rd edition. Philadelphia: Lea and Febiger; 1986.
p. 249-250

2. Nater JP and De Groot AC: Unwanted effects of cosmetics and drugs used in dermatology. 2nd edition. Amsterdam: Elsevier; 1985. p. 64

Comments

Does gylcerin have an adverse effects on elderly skin?

Posted by Hayley 23 July 2010

Does it stay sticky on the skin or is it absorbed?

Posted by Gail 24 July 2010

My late father was a dairy farmer & all he used on his hands every night after showering was glycerine. Never had cracked skin!

Posted by Jeanette Kebblewhite 24 July 2010

years ago i found glycerin was so good i used it all the time … now as i am house bound and depend on others to shop they can never find it for me …..

Posted by patricia kelly 25 July 2010

If pure glycerin is applied to the skin it can stay sticky and feel like it is sitting on top of the skin. If however glycerin is used in a moisturising cream or lotion, it won’t stay sticky, rather it will be absorbed into the skin.

Posted by Helen@ego 26 July 2010

If pure glycerin is applied to any skin, it can make it feel a bit sticky. But if glycerin is used in a moisturising cream or lotion it is very good for all skin ages, elderly skin included. As we get older our skin tends to get dryer. With glycerin being a normal component of human skin, topical application in the form or a moisturising cream or lotion will help repair dry skin and make it feel more comfortable.

Posted by Helen@ego 26 July 2010

I used to only ever use glycerin soap on my skin but like patricia I find it difficult to locate now. Can anyone tell us where we might find glycerin and any ideas on best way to buy/shelf life, etc?

Posted by Amanda 27 July 2010