Vegetable glycerin is a versatile ingredient found in a range of products, from cosmetic lotions to soaps. It is derived from plant-based oils and is a natural humectant, meaning it helps to retain moisture in the skin. Vegetable glycerin is a popular choice for those looking for gentle, natural skin care. It has a number of benefits, from promoting healthy skin to protecting against irritants. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various ways vegetable glycerin can help soothe your skin. We will look at the different forms of vegetable glycerin, the benefits it has for skin care, and the best ways to use it. With this guide, you will be able to discover the best way to incorporate vegetable glycerin into your skin care routine and make the most of its beneficial properties.
What is Vegetable Glycerin?
Vegetable glycerin (often abbreviated as VG) is a humectant that draws water from the air and transfers it to the skin. It is a natural substance found in many plants, including palm, coconut, soybean, and hemp. Vegetable glycerin is also known as glycerol, although the two terms are often used interchangeably. Glycerol is the active ingredient found in vegetable glycerin and is responsible for its moisturizing properties. Glycerol is also found in other plant-based oils, such as coconut oil. Vegetable glycerin is commonly used in soaps, shampoos, and various other cosmetics. It is also used to preserve food and can be found in syrups, cough medicines, and antifreeze. In addition to its role as a moisturizer and preservative, vegetable glycerin is also used as a sweetener and is sometimes added to coffee.
Benefits of Vegetable Glycerin for Skin Care
Because vegetable glycerin is a naturally occurring humectant, it is particularly beneficial for skin care:
- Skin hydration- Vegetable glycerin is a natural humectant that is able to attract and retain moisture in the skin. This makes it a particularly useful ingredient for those suffering from dry or scaly skin and those looking to protect their skin against harsh weather conditions or water.
- Skin barrier function- Vegetable glycerin can support the skin barrier and reduce irritation caused by common skin care ingredients, such as surfactants. This makes it a great choice for those with sensitive skin and those looking to avoid added chemicals in their skincare products.
- Skin softening- Vegetable glycerin is able to provide gentle, long-lasting skin softening, making it a great choice for those with dry or scaly skin.
- Skin protection- Vegetable glycerin is beneficial for more than just hydration. It is able to act as a free radical scavenger, protecting the skin from damage.
How to Choose the Right Vegetable Glycerin
When choosing a vegetable glycerin product, it is important to consider its source. Vegetable glycerin can be derived from various plants. Some sources, such as palm and coconut, are more sustainable than other options, such as soybean. Vegetable glycerin can be sourced from a variety of plants and oils. When shopping for a vegetable glycerin product, it is important to read the ingredients label to determine the specific oil used.
- Palm oil vegetable glycerin- Palm oil vegetable glycerin is extracted from the palm oil found in the palm tree. The palm tree is native to tropical climates, such as South America and Southeast Asia. Palm oil vegetable glycerin is a sustainable source of vegetable glycerin and a popular choice for many cosmetic brands.
- Coconut oil vegetable glycerin- Coconut oil vegetable glycerin is derived from coconut palm or coconut oil. It is considered a sustainable source of vegetable glycerin, as coconut palms are fairly easy to grow in tropical climates. Coconut oil vegetable glycerin is often used in lotions and soaps.
- Soybean oil vegetable glycerin- Soybean oil vegetable glycerin is extracted from soybean oil, which is derived from soybean seeds. While soybean oil vegetable glycerin is a cheap source of vegetable glycerin, it is not considered sustainable. Many companies are moving away from soybean oil vegetable glycerin due to its high cost and low sustainability rating.
Best Ways to Use Vegetable Glycerin
- Moisturizing- Vegetable glycerin is a great choice for skin care products, such as lotions and creams. It is often used in combination with other moisturizing ingredients, such as shea butter.
- Skin protection- Vegetable glycerin is beneficial for more than just hydration. It is able to act as a free radical scavenger, protecting the skin from damage. When added to skin care products, it is able to absorb and neutralize harmful irritants, such as pollutants, to protect the skin.
- Skin softening- Vegetable glycerin is able to provide gentle, long-lasting skin softening, making it a great choice for those with dry or scaly skin.
Side Effects of Using Vegetable Glycerin
Vegetable glycerin is considered to be safe for most people and is often used as a natural alternative to added chemicals. However, it is important to note that excessive use of vegetable glycerin can lead to skin irritation. This may be due to a buildup of the product in the pores, which can cause acne-like breakouts. For people with sensitive skin, it is important to choose a gentle vegetable glycerin product.
Conclusion
Vegetable glycerin is a versatile ingredient found in a range of products, from cosmetic lotions to soaps. It is derived from plant-based oils and is a natural humectant, meaning it helps to retain moisture in the skin. Vegetable glycerin is a popular choice for those looking for gentle, natural skin care. It has a number of benefits, from promoting healthy skin to protecting against irritants. With this guide, you will be able to discover the best way to incorporate vegetable glycerin into your skin care routine and make the most of its beneficial properties.