Glycerin, a powerhouse hydrator and antimicrobial agent, plays a crucial role in the health of your skin and hair. Often overlooked amidst flashier ingredients, glycerin’s profound benefits and historical significance make it a cornerstone of natural beauty products. Let's explore how glycerin is formed, its key properties, and its irreplaceable role in both natural cold processed soap and commercial products.
Formation and Properties of Glycerin
During the soap-making process, specifically saponification, glycerin is formed naturally when fatty acids and lye react. Unlike commercial soap production where glycerin is often removed, natural cold processed soap retains glycerin, leveraging its skin-protective qualities. Known scientifically as glycerol, glycerin is celebrated for its humectant properties—drawing moisture into the skin and hair from the environment and the deeper layers to the surface, where it's needed most.
Scientifically Proven Benefits of Glycerin for Skin and Hair
- Enhanced Skin Barrier Function: Research from 2017 found that a combination of 5% glycerin, 1% hyaluronic acid, and Centella asiatica extract could improve skin barrier function for up to 24 hours after application, underscoring glycerin's role in skin health and resilience.
- Wound Healing and Skin Protection: A 2008 study published in the British Journal of Dermatology revealed that glycerin boosts skin hydration, improves skin barrier functions, protects against irritants, and accelerates wound-healing processes.
- Superior Humectant: A 2016 comparative study ranked glycerin as the "most effective humectant" for hydrating the top layer of the skin, above other commonly used substances like alpha hydroxy acids and hyaluronic acid. This makes it especially effective for treating stubborn dry patches and enhancing the hydration of callused areas.
- Moisturizing Efficacy: A 2014 study demonstrated that a moisturizing leave-on lotion containing 10% glycerol significantly reduced dandruff over an eight-week treatment period. This formulation, which also included sunflower seed oil and saturated fatty acid, highlights glycerin's effectiveness in maintaining scalp health and combating dryness.
Glycerin in Cold Processed Soap vs. Commercial Products
In natural cold processed soaps, glycerin content can be around 10% of the product's weight, providing significant benefits compared to commercial soaps where glycerin is often removed. This difference leads to a notable impact on skin and hair:
- For Skin: Cold processed soaps with natural glycerin are more moisturizing and gentle, suitable for sensitive and dry skin types. They aid in hydrating the skin effectively without stripping it of natural oils.
- For Hair/Scalp: Shampoos containing glycerin can improve scalp hydration and overall hair health. Glycerin is particularly beneficial for people with dry, coarse, or curly hair due to its ability to improve hydration and porosity.
Conclusion
Glycerin's role in skincare and haircare is undeniable. By choosing natural soaps that harness the full potential of glycerin, we're opting for a path that respects our skin's natural needs and the environment.