FIRSTLY, WHAT IS GLYCERIN? 

Glycerin is a clear liquid found naturally in plant fats, as well as animals and our very own skin. It’s part of the natural make up of a healthy, balanced skin structure and can draw moisture from external sources and used to lock in hydration. 

 WHY WE THINK GLYCERIN IS A SKINCARE SAVIOUR

It’s big on hydration and maintains balance

Glycerin is a humectant, which means it attracts moisture to the upper layer of the skin when it’s applied. 

It has minimal molecular weight that allows moisture to penetrate deeper into the skin and is vital to maintaining a healthy balance in hydration, as it’s involved in the movement of aquaporins on the surface of our skin. 

WHAT are aquaporins? 

Aquaporins are a form of protein that help channel the flow of hydrating ingredients back to the skin’s top layers leaving your skin dewy, balanced, and healthy. 

It prevents moisture loss

One of glycerins amazing qualities is that it not only draws moisture into the skin, it prevents moisture from escaping too.

This is due to thicker products like creams and gels that contain glycerin to support the skin’s barrier from the outside-in, preventing moisture loss and allowing skin nourishment. This works in contrast to lighter formulas like serums that work by penetrating the skins barrier to deeper absorb.

It prevents against the elements and heals to leave skin super soft

The essential maintenance of the skin’s barrier means that it is protected against any dryness caused by external elements such as the weather, pollution, or harsh products. It’s healing ability means that it’s regularly used to treat everyday dry skin, as well as skin conditions like dermatitis and eczema. 

SHOULD GLYCERIN BE IN MY SKINCARE ROUTINE?

Due to its non-allergenic hydrating qualities, Glycerin is suitable for all skin types including breakout-prone skin. As glycerin’s key function is to promote a healthy, dewy complexion, you will most likely discover it in across moisturisers or in hydration masks (such as our Radiance Ritual Glow Mask)

Scientific research across the skincare field has found that as an ingredient, glycerin mimics the skin’s very own natural moisturising factor, known as NMF. This makes it a universally usable product, regardless of age, skin type or other concerns and becomes important as our skin’s own NMF diminishes with age and environmental aggressors. 

WHICH INGREDIENTS CAN I USE WITH GLYCERIN? 

Glycerin works best when it is paired with other ingredients rather than alone. When it’s used with other emollient ingredients and oils - much like in Radiance Ritual’s hard-working formula alongside sunflower seed oil and prickly pear seed oil - the risk of moisture loss is reduced to ensure long lasting skin wellness and visible hydrated skin.

Glycerin works well with other hydration components such as hyaluronic acid and floral waters. Better still, as there are no proven risks to maximising your glycerin intake, you can use this moisture-boosting hero as many times a day as required, however you should never use it in 100% concentration.

Want to know more about the ingredients that make up our Radiance Ritual Mask? Check out it’s full INCI on it’s product page, or read all about it’s other potent ingredients here.