Glycerin: An Ideal Ingredient for Many Soap Products As It Is Applied Topically To Treat Dry Skin

Glycerin is a translucent, colorless, bitter-sweet liquid that is slightly sweet, like maple syrup, and relatively odorous. It is found primarily in certain lipids called glycerides. The body uses glycerin for fuel, energy, and maintenance, and the excretion of glycerol from the body is used as a natural detoxification product.

Since it has a very low boiling point, glycerin is an ideal ingredient for many soap products. The soap applications make use of glycerin to give it a pleasant, white color. When added to oils, such as olive and coconut oil, the color becomes even more prominent. Glycerin has a very low flash point, which means it evaporates at a very high temperature, but remains usable at room temperature. Glycerin is produced in the plant's stems, leaves, and roots. The glycerin that is produced by the plants is in the form of a complex, two-part compound (amine and ergosterol). The basic makeup of this simple polyol compound includes sugar, glucose, propionyl, and glycerine. Glycerin is the main component of soap, as the glycerol interacts with lye to convert into soap when applied to the skin. Some glycerine is used as an alternative to glycerol in soap because it is cheaper and less toxic.

Glycerin can also be applied topically to treat conditions other than dry skin, such as oily or acne-prone skin. Some companies have marketed their products as humectants, which are used to bind water to the surface of the skin. While glycerol has been used to treat this condition both in Europe and in the US, results from clinical trials indicate that topical use of humectants can have a limited effect in reducing facial oiliness. Since facial oiliness is often a symptom of other underlying problems, it makes little sense to apply a substance that will only temporarily relieve it.