Glycerin is a well -known humidifier, with a viscous structure, colorless, non -smelling. Glycerin is perfectly dissolved in water and alcohol, and it can be a solvent itself. Today glycerin is part of most cosmetics and personal hygiene products. About the beneficial and harmful properties of glycerin, as well as the permissible concentration in cosmetics, read on.
The origin of glycerin: animal or vegetable?
Glycerin is a three -of -one alcohol, in contrast to simple doubletone alcohols, this component is not toxic and safe for the body. It is animal and plant origin. In nature, glycerin is found in complex esters with higher fatty acids (that is, oils and fats) and is found in all tissues of animals, plants and humans, including skin and blood.
Glycerin can also be obtained from natural sources (for example, soybeans, wine, beer, bread, reed or corn syrup) or made synthetically. The synthetic form is chemically identical to natural glycerin, and the body treats them equally. Alternative names glycerol-glycerol and propantriol-1,2,3.
Outwardly, this substance is a transparent syrup -like liquid with a sweet taste. In addition to cosmetics, glycerin is also widely used in the food industry and drugs. In food and drinks, it serves as a humidifier, solvent and sweetener, and also helps to extend their shelf life.
How glycerin is used in cosmetics
Glycerin is used in cosmetics and personal hygiene products mainly to ensure smoothness, softness and lubrication. It attracts moisture and creates the finest film on the surface of the epidermis, which saves water, preventing its loss. There is a myth that glycerin, on the contrary, stretches moisture and dries the skin. However, this is a misconception: dehydration occurs only if the substance is used in its pure form. But without dilution with water glycerin in cosmetology is not used.
Glycerin is used in many cosmetic products and bath products, such as sunscreen and moisturizers for the face and body, lotions, decorative cosmetics, hair care products and oral cavity, shaving creams, soap, intimate gels, washing products, tanning and tanning products and childen’s goods.
The beneficial properties of glycerin
In the permissible concentration, glycerin has a beneficial effect on the skin, increases its elasticity and eliminates dryness. Cases are described when glycerin in the composition of a moisturizing and caring cream contributed to the rapid regeneration of the epidermis damaged by dermatitis and psoriasis.
The key properties of glycerin include its hygroscopicity (its molecules absorb and accumulate moisture, penetrate the deep layers of the skin and contribute to saturation at all levels), the protective function (it fills small wrinkles and microcracks, which prevents the ingress and external irritants) and then) and thenthat it is an important component of the epidermis.
Glycerin produces the cells of the human body, it is an active participant in the internal system of water circulation in cell membranes. If for some reason its production has decreased, then a cosmetic product with glycerin will help to make up for a lack of moisture.
Harmful properties of glycerin
Only “clean”, unnecessary with water glycerin or its high concentrate in a cosmetic formula can harm the skin. The prolonged effect of such a moisturizer can provoke The formation of acne, darkening and excessive dryness of the epidermis. If you are afraid, choose products with plant glycerin. There are no harmful impurities in organic matter, so it is much easier to clear it. In synthesized glycerin obtained by laboratory means, the likelihood of harmful components increases.
Glycerin concentration in cosmetics
In the composition moisturizers contains up to 65-80% of water, which account for up to 15% cosmetic glycerin. If the concentration of a substance significantly exceeds the permissible norm, then after applying the product a non -drying film is formed on the skin, which as a result leads to inflammation and irritations.
The difficulty is that the volume of glycerol is impossible to find out, since its percentage is not indicated on the packaging of the product. The only way out is to give preference to funds where the moisturizer is not at the head of the list, but closer to the end. The ingredients in the composition are indicated in the order of decrease, so you are insured from excess substance in the selected product.