Photo by Daria Nepriakhina 🇺🇦 on Unsplash
We’d bet a decent chunk of cash that almost everyone reading this has heard of glycerin, but we’d also bet that they know very little about it. Most people assume that glycerin is a type of sugar, but the people who first discovered it described it as “the sweet principle of fat” as it’s found in lipids known as glycerides.
Unless you’re in the habit of reading the ingredients of all of your products, there’s a good chance you’re already using things which contain glycerin without even realising it. In skincare, glycerin’s most popular use is as a humectant. Humectants are moisturising ingredients that work by drawing water from the atmosphere to hydrate and soften the skin – other well-known humectants include hyaluronic acid and d-panthenol.
So, which of the products we stock contain glycerin and what are they good for? Here’s a list of the best:
Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse
This refreshing cleanser includes an exfoliating AHA/BHA complex of mandelic, lactic and salicylic acid as well as glycerin for a pore refining, deep cleanse. It also contains mangosteen and raspberry extracts to provide natural antioxidant protection while deeply cleansing and decongesting your complexion. It’s recommended for normal or oily skin and can be used daily.
Bloom and Blossom Lip Service Nourishing Lip Balm
This lip balm contains just four ingredients, all of which are 100% natural origin. Lanolin, coconut oil, passionflower oil and glycerin combine to create a balm which is close to the natural chemistry of your skin. The balm is designed to heal, hydrate and soften the lips and absorbs easily and deeply for maximum effect.
Dermalogica Nightly Lip Treatment
Another glycerin-rich lip product, this treatment from Dermalogica is specifically formulated to tackle fine lines and wrinkles which can form around the mouth. It hydrates to improve skin elasticity and restore barrier function against visible signs of ageing and contains hyaluronic acid, swertia chirata extract, apple fruit extract, sesame seed extract and shea butter for powerful hydrating and anti-ageing properties.
Elemis Superfood Kefir-Tea Mist
Part of Elemis’ Superfood range, this Kefir-Tea Mist contains a wealth of ingredients from superfood sources which contain hydrating and anti-oxidant powers. Organic aloe vera, coconut water and a natural prebiotic help to balance the skin, leaving it hydrated, with a healthy looking glow while glycerin helps attract moisture onto your skin to leave skin feeling soft and supple.