Usually, when it comes to looking at specific skincare ingredients, you will find that most are for targeted skincare concerns. Previously, our ingredient focus pieces here on the Mankind blog have been based on ingredients which are most effective for very specific skin issues and skin types. However, we're talking about the skincare miracle worker which is Glycerin this time which is known for being suitable for us on almost any skin type. With our ingredient guides, there'll be no more spending hours trying to choose the best product for you skin concerns again!
What is Glycerin?
Otherwise known as glycerol or glycerine, glycerin is a skin repairing ingredient which is found in all natural lipids (fats) such as animal or vegetable fats. It is an organic sugar-alcohol compound which is composed of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen. This thick, colourless and odourless liquid is sweet to taste and due to its natural source, it’s also non-toxic (but we do recommend you don't eat it and do just use it on your skin). There really isn't much that this skincare saviour can’t do so it would be a sin to not include glycerin in our ingredient focus series!
What Does Glycerin in Skincare Do?
Glycerin is absolutely incredible in skincare and it has so many uses. A presence of glycerin in the inter-cellular layers of your skin helps other skin lipids do their jobs better, resulting in overall better quality of the skin. When present in your skincare, glycerin is excellent for helping skin to heal, reducing associated dermatitis and restoring normal barrier function if used on an ongoing basis within your daily skincare routine. Glycerin can be used as a cleanser, toner, moisturiser, acne treatment, blackhead treatment, dry skin treatment, anti-ageing wrinkle treatment and scar removal substance. Along with all of these uses, it is also effective in skin lightening which is great for pigmentation, healing cracked heels, making hands smooth and it can also be used on sensitive skin as well as baby’s skin. Glycerin really is the superhero of the skincare world!
Mankind Recommends
Here at Mankind we have an abundance of products containing glycerin; from moisturisers and exfoliators to cleansers from top brands such as Men-U, Erno Laszlo and Dr. Nick Lowe. If you're looking to inject some hydration in to your skin, then the Men-U Facial Moisturiser Lift is a light, non-greasy formula which replaces lost moisture in the skin, closes pores and leaves your face feeling and looking refreshed. It’s also an award-winning vegan and cruelty-free after-shave balm which dries with a matte finish and one bottle delivers up to 165 applications – despite the small sizing of the packaging. As it’s incredibly important to keep your skin clean and clear, the Erno Laszlo Oil-Control Cleansing Bar for Oily/Extremely Oily Skin is another great investment. Not only does it remove dirt and impurities from your pores to reduce breakouts, it also prevents your skin from producing excess oil to keep a shine-free complexion. The Dr. Nick Lowe Acclenz Pore Refining Facial Polish works to buff away dead skin cells and eliminate spot-causing bacteria with the use of environmentally friendly exfoliating beads. Containing glycerin as well as one of our other favourites; Salicylic Acid, this facial polish ensures your skin maintains a healthy glow and optimum hydration levels.
Finally…
Always proceed with caution when introducing new products into your skincare routine, as results will not always happen instantly and your skin may not be used to the ingredients within your new product purchases. Take care to choose the best products for your particular skin concerns to ensure you have gradual and smooth skincare routine transition.
Have you discovered Glycerin yet? What’s your favourite skincare product with this saviour in it?
Let us know over on Twitter at @MankindCoUk!
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