The Green Bioplaneet Dictonary: Glycerine

Glycerine: indispensable in hair and skin care
Glycerine is the most common ingredient in skin and hair care, after water (aqua) and fragrances (perfume). There is also a reason for this: glycerine ensures an optimal moisture balance and has a moisturising effect. It provides the skin with moisture, but also prevents the skin’s moisture from evaporating. Glycerine makes the skin smoother and softer. This means that it helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and dry spots. Because glycerine is such a good humectant, you will find it in many skin products (cleanser, toner, cream, make-up remover) and in hair products (shampoo, leave-in conditioner). It is suitable for all skin types and for all ages. Glycerine itself is an odourless and colourless alcohol that is derived from vegetable oils, animal fats or synthetic sources.

Plant-based, derived from animals or synthetic?
Glycerine can be obtained from vegetable oils, animal fats and petroleum sources. Vegan glycerine is typically derived from soybean, palm oil or coconut oil. Petroleum-based glycerine is made in the lab, with petroleum being the catalyst for a series of chemical reactions that ultimately create synthetic glycerine. Because vegetable glycerine is cheaper to produce, synthetic glycerine is not commonly used. Animal glycerine is obtained from animal fats such as beef tallow. In cosmetics you mainly encounter vegetable glycerine because it is easily absorbed into the skin. At BioPlaneet, the products naturally only contain vegetable glycerine.

Good for your hair
Glycerine can work wonders for your hair. When applied to the hair, glycerine draws water from the air to keep your hair looking shiny and nourished. Glycerine locks in moisture, therefore you will find it in shampoos to help retain moisture after washing the hair. An example of a shampoo containing glycerine is the Pure Harmony Hairbath from Innersense Organic Beauty. Glycerine is also added in conditioners and leave-in conditioners to help nourish the hair and make it shinier. It also helps damaged hair from breakage and prevents it from frizzing due to moisture loss. You can do that, for example, with the Sweet Spirit Leave In Conditioner from Innersense Organic Beauty. Eyelashes and eyebrows also benefit from products containing glycerine. An example of a product for your eyelashes and eyebrows is the Lash & Brow Growth Serum from Nãmaka Rituals.

Good for your skin
Creams and other care products with glycerine hydrate the skin, making it feel smooth, supple and firmer. Glycerine is non-comedogenic, which means it does not clog pores and is ideal for applying to the face. Because glycerine prevents moisture from evaporating, the skin will stay hydrated for a long period of time. Lines and wrinkles become less noticeable and the skin also gets a little more plump and supple, because of the balanced moisture level. Glycerine also gives an extra layer of protection to the skin. It strengthens the skin barrier and defends the skin from environmental aggressors like pollution. You can find it in cleansing products such as the Dull Faace Cleanser from Faace. For your body you can try the Delicious Body Lotion from SKINHAPTICS. You can also find glycerine in the vegan water-based lubricant Wet Lips Caring Glide Prebiotic, from LIP Intimate Care.