What is vegetable glycerin?
Vegetable glycerin is a viscous, colorless, odorless liquid obtained by the saponification or hydrolysis of vegetable oils (such as rapeseed, soy or coconut oil). It is known for its moisturizing, humectant and softening properties, making it an essential ingredient in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and food. Thanks to its hygroscopic properties, it attracts and retains moisture, keeping skin and hair well hydrated.
What are the benefits of vegetable glycerine?
Vegetable glycerine is a substance with multiple beneficial properties:
- Deeply moisturizes: retains water and prevents skin dehydration.
- Softens and protects the skin: Ideal for dry, sensitive skin prone to irritation.
- Improves hair suppleness and shine: nourishes dry, brittle hair.
- Accelerates healing: promotes skin cell regeneration.
- Balances skin flora: Protects the skin's hydrolipidic barrier.
- Soothes irritation and redness: useful in cases ofeczema, psoriasis or darting.
- Lubricates and protects mucous membranes: found in some medicines and oral care products.
How do I use vegetable glycerin?
Vegetable glycerin can be incorporated into a variety of routines:
- Cosmetics: Mixed into creams, lotions and serums to boost hydration.
- Hair care: added to shampoos and masks to moisturize dry hair.
- Pharmaceuticals: used in soothing gels, throat syrups and suppositories.
- Food: Used as a humectant and texturizing agent in industrial products.
Tip: Add a few drops of vegetable glycerine to your cream or shampoo for extra moisturizing effect.
Is vegetable glycerin good for the skin?
Yes, it's a powerful natural moisturizer that :
- Maintains skin hydration.
- Soothes sensitive, irritated skin.
- Makes skin suppler and softer.
- Prevents skin aging by reducing water loss.
Particularly recommended for dry, dehydrated skin or skin exposed to external aggression.
Is vegetable glycerine good for hair?
Yes, it's perfect for dry, damaged hair, because it :
- Intensely moisturizes without weighing hair down.
- Prevents breakage and split ends.
- Restores shine and softness.
- Helps tame frizz.
Ideal for curly, frizzy or dry hair.
Can vegetable glycerine be used on the lips?
Yes, it's excellent for dry, chapped lips, as it :
- Provides long-lasting hydration.
- Repairs chapping and cracking.
- Gives a natural plumping effect.
It can be used pure or added to a homemade lip balm.
Is vegetable glycerine used in pharmacies?
Yes, it is used in many pharmaceutical products:
- Glycerine suppositories: gentle, natural laxative effect.
- Cough syrups: moisturize the throat and soothe irritation.
- Ophthalmic solutions: Present in eye drops for dry eyes.
It is also used in certain toothpastes and mouthwashes.
Is vegetable glycerine edible?
Yes, edible vegetable glycerine is used as a natural additive in :
- Pastries and confectionery: To prevent drying out.
- Energy drinks: as a thickening agent.
- Sugar-free products: Partially replaces sugar for a softer texture.
Recognized as safe by health authorities.
Does vegetable glycerin have any side effects?
It is generally well tolerated, but :
- In excess, it can attract too much moisture and dry out the skin.
- Excessive ingestion can have a laxative effect.
- It must be diluted before application to the skin or hair.
What's the best way to incorporate vegetable glycerine into your beauty routine?
- In a moisturizing cream: For better moisture retention.
- Mixed with a vegetable oil: For a nourishing and protective application.
- In a hair mask: For softer, shinier hair.
Can vegetable glycerin be combined with other natural ingredients?
Yes, it is often combined with :
- Aloe vera: For an enhanced moisturizing and soothing effect.
- Coconut oil and shea butter: For intense hydration.
- Honey and rosewater: For radiance and softness.
