If you’re anything like me, you read the names of all the ingredients on any beauty you use. This is a good thing, because it’s always better to be aware of what you apply on your face. More often than not, you would’ve come across ‘glycerin’ being listed as an ingredient in most products – be it body washes, soaps, shampoos and creams. What is this mystery ingredient, and why are most brands incorporating it in their skincare products? And more importantly, how can you use this wonder chemical in your beauty regimen?
Don’t worry, we’ve got answers to all your questions and even more! Glycerin has many uses for the face and skin, and we at Beauty Glitch have put together an extensive list on the many benefits of glycerin on face and glycerin on skin. So what are you waiting for? Make full use of this today!
Contents
What is glycerin?
Glycerin (also known as glycerol), is a sweet-tasting liquid that is thick, colorless odorless. It looks like non-scented syrup. This is obtained either from plants or animals, and is a byproduct of the soap industry. Today, beauty conglomerates use this wonder chemical in their products because of its many health and skin benefits.
What are the benefits of glycerin?
Glycerin is non-toxic, which makes it very safe to use on skin. It smoothens skin, clears blemishes and tightens pores. It maintains the pH of skin, and restores moisture. It also tones your skin and exfoliates it. It protects your skin from acne and pimples. It nourishes skin, restores brightness and smoothness. It makes your skin supple, bouncy and soft.
What can you use glycerin for?
Glycerin has many benefits for the skin and the face. It softens skin, moisturizes it, removes scars and tones it as well.
Moisturizer
Glycerin is a great moisturizer, and can be used even for oily skin types as it absorbs moisture from the air and regulates sebum production. It retains moisture as a humectant, and keeps your skin supple and hydrated.
- Add one tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice to 150ml of glycerin, to make a DIY glycerin moisturizer.
- Apply this every night for best results.
- You can also mix equal amounts of vitamin E oil, glycerin and petroleum jelly, and apply on your face every night, especially during winter
Cleanser
Glycerin cleans pores, removes excess oil and rids your skin of dirt, making it a great cleanser. It is non-toxic and doesn’t react adversely to makeup as well.
- Mix one teaspoon of glycerin with three teaspoons of milk
- Apply this mixture on your face at night, and wash off the next morning for clean and glowing skin
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Exfoliator
Glycerin removes dirt, grime and pollution from your skin, gently exfoliating your pores.
- Mix half a cup of water, one tablespoon of glycerin and one tablespoon of corn flour in a pot.
- Bring the mixture to boil, until it looks clear
- Apply on your damp face, and let sit for 5 minutes
- Wash off with cold water
- You can also mix equal parts of granulated sugar and diluted glycerin, and scrub your face gently
- Avoid the eye and lip area
- Wash off with cold water
Toner
Glycerin tones skin, evens skin pigmentation and tightens pores
- Apply glycerin diluted with rose water on your face every night, and wash off in the morning with cold water
- You can also store this mixture in a spray bottle and spritz it on your skin every night
Aromatherapy
Not only is glycerin a wonder compound for your skin, nut it can be used as a great tool for aromatherapy! Bring a spa home with this wonder DIY mask
- In a bowl, add half a cup of water, one teaspoon of glycerin, one teaspoon of vegetable oil and a few drops of your favorite essential oil
- Cool the mixture in a fridge, and apply it on your face with cotton swabs
- Wash off after an hour
Anti-ageing serum
Glycerin diminishes the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and large pores. It tightens skin and makes it supple, bouncy and young.
- Add a teaspoon each of diluted glycerin and honey to a beaten egg
- Apply the mixture on your face with a clean brush
- Let dry for 20 minutes, and wash with cold water
- Repeat twice a week
Blemish control
Glycerin tackles the root cause of blemishes, age spots and dark spots. Repeated and regular use of glycerin leads to skin renewal, which lightens spots and eventually makes them disappear.
- Mix equal parts of undiluted glycerin and petroleum jelly
- Apply the mixture to affected parts
- Leave on for 20 minutes, and rub off with a damp cloth
DIY lip balm
Glycerin is a saving grace for chapped and cracked lips. This is your winter cure for dry lips! You don’t have to buy lip balms ever again, as the moisturizing and hydrating properties of glycerin renew gentle skin. An added bonus is that glycerin is completely non-toxic.
- Mix equal parts of glycerin and honey, and apply on your lips every night
- You may be tempted to lick it up, but don’t!
- Let it stay overnight, and wash in the morning with cold water
Homemade glycerin acne treatment
Glycerin tackles the root cause of acne, which is oil and dirt build-up. This topical treatment for acne is proven effective, when combined with over-the-counter drugs as well.
- Mix a tablespoon of diluted glycerin with half a tablespoon of borax powder and camphor
- Apply it on affected areas, and let dry
- Wash off with cold water and pat dry
Blackhead remover
If blackheads on your nose are the bane of your existence, glycerin is your saving grace! The exfoliating and dirt removing properties of glycerin make it a household favorite for removing unsightly blackheads.
- Mix two teaspoons of diluted glycerin, three tablespoons of ground almonds and one tablespoon of Fuller’s Earth to make a thick paste
- Apply a thin layer of this paste to your face, avoiding the eye and lip area
- Wash off after 15 minutes, and pat dry
- Repeat twice a week for best results
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Burn treatment cream
The cooling, nourishing and moisturizing nature of glycerin makes it a quick and immediate fix for minor burns. Its mild nature also stops itching and burning sensations, while being safe on burnt skin.
- Apply slightly diluted glycerin on the affected area, and keep it covered
- Wash off after 20 minutes
- Repeat as necessary
De-tanning cream
Glycerin revitalizes skin and removes all impurities, which helps your skin restore its natural complexion.
- Mash a ripe banana and add a tablespoon of raw glycerin, mixing it thoroughly
- Apply on tanned areas liberally, and let dry for 15 minutes
- Wash off with cold water and pat dry
- Repeat once a week for best results
Homemade treatment for psoriasis
If you’re inflicted with this terrible disease, glycerin is your best friend. Glycerin stops premature skin peeling and shedding, which makes it a perfect treatment for psoriasis. Its gentle and mild formula does not aggravate the condition either. You can use this mask to keep your skin healthy, even if you don’t suffer from psoriasis.
- Mix a teaspoon of diluted glycerin with four teaspoons of Fuller’s Earth to make a thick paste
- Apply on skin, avoiding the eye and lip area
- Let dry for 15 minutes
- Wash off with cold water
- Repeat once a week
Diaper rash treatment
The gentle nature of glycerin means that it is suitable for your little one as well! Ditch store-bought chemical products for your baby and make a glycerin diaper rash cream at home, and enjoy the mild and soothing effects of this miracle compound.
- Mix one tablespoon of beeswax, half cup of Shea butter and a quarter cup of coconut oil in a bowl
- Heat the contents till they melt, and add two tablespoons of glycerin
- Blend the mixture till it becomes creamy and thick
- Apply on affected areas and wash off after half an hour
- Store the cream in a jar for future use
DIY glycerin aftershave lotion
This applies for both men and women, as razor burns are a common enemy! If you feel that conventional after-shave lotions are too harsh on your skin, make this lotion yourself and see the benefits!
- In a bowl, mix half a cup of witch hazel extract, comfrey leaves and one tablespoon of fried calendula leaves, and let it soak for two weeks
- Strain the mixture
- Add sandalwood and lavender essential oil, a quarter cup of rosewater and a quarter cup of undiluted glycerin to this solution
- Stir, and store in a jar
- Use a clean and soft brush to apply the after-shave lotion to soothe and heal razor burns, and soften skin
Where can I get glycerin?
You can purchase pure glycerin from stores near you, or you can even make it yourself! But be careful while making it as the ingredients may cause harm if not handled properly. Use industrial gloves while making glycerin at home.
You will need:
- 2 cups of vegetable oil
- 1 cup of water
- 4 teaspoons of lye
- 4 teaspoons of salt
Instructions:
- Heat the vegetable oil, water and lye in a pot, with a thermometer. While stirring constantly for 20 minutes, heat the mixture to 125°F.
- Reduce the temperature and simmer till the thermometer reads 100°F.
- Taking the pot off the flame, leave it aside to cool and thicken for about 2 minutes
- Add the salt and stir gently.
- As the mixture cools down, soap forms at the top and glycerin forms at the bottom of the pot.
- Strain the soap away, and collect the glycerin.
What do I need to keep in mind while using glycerin on face and skin?
- Never use glycerin on your skin before taking a skin test. Apply a small amount of diluted glycerin on the skin of your leg, and check for allergic reactions
- Glycerin is a relatively mild compound which does not usually cause rashes or breakouts, but it is important to take an allergy test before you use it on your face
- Dilute glycerin with water or rose water before application
- Do not use undiluted glycerin on your skin
- Do not leave glycerin on face for a longer time than necessary
- Use sunscreen after glycerin treatments
- Remember to wash glycerin off your skin after the stipulated time, because the sticky nature of glycerin may attract dust particles
- Vegans can use vegetable glycerin instead of animal glycerin
Glycerin is truly one of the most versatile ingredients of the beauty world, which has many benefits to it. Which tip did you find most useful? Which hack would you recommend to your friends? Did glycerin turn your life around? Tell us your thoughts in the comments down below, and we will respond!
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this blog post are a result of research by the author and the author alone. Please use your discretion before taking any decisions based on the information in this blog. The author will not be responsible for any damage caused. Consult a dermatologist or a registered health practitioner for allergen information before attempting any processes mentioned in this blog.
The article may be subject to change without notice.
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