What is Plant-Based Glycerine?

Glycerine is a natural, colourless and odourless liquid that has been used for generations in cosmetics, food and homemade skincare. It is one of the most effective natural humectants, or moisture-attracting ingredients. Our Glycerine is plant-based (from rapeseed oil), vegan, palm oil-free and has a purity of 99.5 percent. The remaining 0.5 percent is water. The INCI is Glycerin.

The glycerine is food-grade quality, which means it is also suitable for internal use, for example in homemade glycerine-based tinctures. Thanks to its purity and neutral scent, it is easy to combine with other ingredients in DIY recipes.

How does Glycerine work on the skin?

Glycerine is a humectant. This means it attracts moisture from the environment and retains it in the upper layers of the skin. On a hydrated skin this effect is a welcome boost, but on dehydrated skin in a dry environment you should be careful with the dosage, because concentrated glycerine can actually attract moisture from deeper skin layers instead of from the air. That's why glycerine is always used diluted.

The ideal working dosage is between 1 and 10 percent in a DIY formula, depending on the product and the conditions in which it is used. For a facial or body spray, 10 percent works fine, for a lotion or cream often 3 to 5 percent.

Benefits of Glycerine

Powerful hydration
Glycerine attracts and retains moisture in the skin, making the skin feel fuller, smoother and softer.

Hypoallergenic
Glycerine is one of the most well-tolerated cosmetic ingredients and is well tolerated by virtually every skin type, including sensitive skin.

For the skin barrier
Through hydration, glycerine supports the skin's natural barrier and helps retain moisture in the skin.

Plant-based and palm oil-free
Our glycerine is derived from rapeseed oil, so 100 percent plant-based, vegan and without palm oil.

Food grade
The purity is suitable for both cosmetic and internal use, such as in homemade tinctures.

How do you use Glycerine?

Always dilute with water or a water-based base
Glycerine is never used pure on the skin. In too high a concentration it can backfire and actually dry out the skin. Work at a minimum ratio of 1 part glycerine to 4 parts water (20 percent), and preferably lower (5 to 10 percent) for daily use.

As a hydrating face and body mist
Mix 10 percent glycerine with 90 percent Rose water or aloe vera juice for a refreshing, hydrating spray. Pour into a spray bottle and spray on face or body when your skin needs a moisture boost.

In a DIY cream or lotion
Add 3 to 5 percent glycerine to the water phase of your formula for extra hydration. For 100 grams of lotion, that's 3 to 5 grams of glycerine.

In a DIY shampoo
A few grams of glycerine in your DIY shampoo helps hydrate dry hair and gives more shine.

In a DIY mask
Combine a teaspoon of glycerine with clay and some hydrosol for a hydrating, nourishing face mask.

For homemade tinctures
Glycerine has long been used as an alcohol-free alternative for making herbal and plant extracts. A typical ratio is 60 percent glycerine, 40 percent water, in which the dried herbs steep for 4 to 6 weeks.

Tips when using Glycerine

• Store Glycerine in a cool, dry place and close the bottle tightly. Due to its hygroscopic action it attracts moisture, so a well-sealed container is important for shelf life.
• Always work with grams and percentages for accurate results.
• The texture is viscous. Work in a mixing bowl rather than directly from the bottle for easier measuring.
• In very dry environments (low humidity) a lower working dosage is advisable, otherwise glycerine may draw moisture from the skin instead of retaining it.

Points to note

Glycerine is a mild and well-tolerated ingredient. If in doubt or with very sensitive skin, test on a small area first and wait 24 hours. Do not apply undiluted to the skin. Keep out of reach of children.