What is Glycerin? And why is it in EVERYTHING?!?

It really does seem like glycerin is in everything some days.  Like when you have to spend 20+ minutes in the toothpaste aisle trying to find something safe to use.  It can be incredibly frustrating.  I’ve certainly had more than one mini-meltdown because of it.

Glycerin in its purest form is a clear, odorless liquid.  It can be derived from both plant and animal sources. Sometimes if it’s from a plant source, then it will be labeled as vegetable glycerin.

Why is it in everything? Because it has a multitude of uses.

Probably the most common reason you will find glycerin in somethings is because it is a humectant, meaning it draws water towards itself. This makes it extremely common in moisturizers and moisturizing products. Who wouldn’t want a product that pulled the very water in the air into the upper layer of your skin?  

Since glycerin is 60% as sweet as sugar, so you’ll find it in many processed foods. It can also be used as a preservative, filler, and thickening agent. So don’t forget to read those food ingredient lists.

My rule of thumb for skin care and makeup: If it’s a liquid, there’s a pretty good chance it contains glycerin. 

Alternative names for glycerin:
Glycerine
Glyceritol
Glycerol
Glyceryl
Glycyl alcohol
Mono- and Diglycerides
Triglycerides
E442 (As a food additive)
Polyglycerol
And I’m sure there’s plenty I haven’t heard of yet.