Ingredient

Glycerine

Discover the laws of attraction with glycerine, a humectant and a carrier that locks in moisture and effective ingredients, such as essential oils, for dewy, hydrated skin.

What does glycerine do for the skin and our products?

Acts as a humectant

Hydrates the skin and hair

Carries other ingredients to the skin

Adds a sweetness to oral care products

Reduces the need for synthetic preservatives

Can give a warm sensation on the skin

What are the benefits of a humectant?

Our skin naturally contains water, which we can easily lose due to heat, air conditioning, age, alcohol and many other factors. When the skin is dehydrated, it looks thirsty and dull. Drinking more water can be a good solution, but it is often not sufficient. This is where humectants can be excellent allies for our skin. Humectants are a range of ingredients that attract moisture from their environment, hold it on the skin and draw it into the deeper layers. Well-hydrated, the skin appears dewy, fresh, fuller and plumper.

An intensely marketed humectant, hyaluronic acid seems to be everywhere in cosmetic products today. However, at Lush, we think glycerine is a better option because it penetrates the skin more efficiently, thanks to its lower molecular weight.

Another benefit of humectants is that by absorbing water into their structure, they create an inhospitable environment for microbes, reducing the risk of product spoilage and the need for synthetic preservatives. With its clear, liquid consistency and solvent properties, glycerine can also replace water in product formulations, helping to further preserve them.

What is glycerine, and how is it made?

Before the rise of new industrial techniques in 1948, all the glycerine (sometimes spelled glycerin) available was obtained through soap manufacturing. Nowadays, most vegan glycerine is a byproduct of the biofuel industry. Vegetable oils undergo a chemical process to separate methyl esters (biodiesel) from crude glycerol (glycerin). Glycerine is then sold to various industries, as it is a versatile compound with many applications, including in cosmetics.

Isn't that sweet?

Glycerine’s name is derived from glykys, the Ancient Greek word for sweet.