10 Amazing Benefits Of Glycerin For Oily Skin

Glycerin has immense skin benefits and is one of the best ingredients for oily skin. One of the key benefits of glycerin for oily skin is that it attracts moisture from the air to keep the skin moisturized without causing greasiness. That is why you will find glycerin in most oil-free skin products. This humectant prevents moisture loss and adds a natural glow to your skin. Keep reading to learn how glycerin may benefit oily skin.

Did You Know?

Carl Wilhelm Scheele, a Swedish chemist, discovered glycerin in 1779. The chemist called it “the sweet principle of fat.”

What Is Glycerin Made Of?

Glycerin can be categorized into two main types based on its source:

1. Plant-Based (Vegetable Oil)

Natural glycerin is derived from plant fats such as coconut and palm oils. These oils undergo a process involving a combination of pressure, temperature, and water to make it into a colorless and odorless liquid.

2. Animal-Based (Fat)

Animal-based glycerin is made from tallow, which is derived from animal fat, typically beef or mutton. The tallow is mixed with water and then heated to a thick consistency. It is refrigerated to solidify the mixture. This mixture is further processed to remove excess water and impurities.

Now that you know what glycerin is made of, scroll down to see if it can be used for oily skin.

Can Glycerin Be Used For Oily Skin?

The answer is yes! Now, many of you might think that glycerin is a humectant and suitable only for dry skin beauties. But, it’s equally suitable for oily skin.

Glycerin (or Glycerol) is a plant-based oil that was accidentally discovered by a Swedish chemist in 1779 when he was heating a mixture of olive oil.

Being an all-natural product, glycerin is exceptionally gentle even on sensitive skin and helps soothe skin woes such as inflammation and redness. And, the best part is, it is non-greasy and has numerous other skin benefits. It is found in countless skin and beauty products.

Benefits Of Glycerin For Oily Skin

1. It Has An Anti-Aging Effect

Now that can get anyone excited about a product! Glycerin (or Glycerol) is a key ingredient in anti-aging products, thanks to its moisturizing properties. Lack of moisture affects the protease activityⁱ  XRefers to the function of skin enzymes to promote cell regeneration, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy and smooth skin. in your skin, leading to skin peeling and accelerating skin aging. Glycerin is great for hydration as it makes your skin more prone to absorbing moisture from the environment, increasing the moisture content of your skin—this helps slow down the aging process (1).

2. It Is Anti-Irritant

Glycerin is an hypoallergenic that is extremely gentle on the skin. As it is a plant-based substance, it is widely used for treating skin irritation, rashes, and itches. A study conducted on hairless mice found that glycerol could cure skin irritation induced by Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, or SLS, (an active ingredient in many beauty products. Thus, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, glycerol can aid in skin barrier repair (2).

It can even soothe irritation caused by other skin issues, such as psoriasis and eczemaⁱ  XA non-contagious condition that may cause inflamed, dry, itchy, irritated, and red patches on the skin. .

3. Glycerin Improves Skin Permeability

Dehydrated skin (due to lack of moisture in your skin or dry weather) can lose its permeability. However, applying glycerin can reverse this, thereby maintaining your skin absorption levels (3).

4. It Promotes Cell Maturation

A study shows that glycerin rejuvenates the skin by promoting skin cell maturation. Your skin sheds numerous cells and produces younger cells to replace them. The top layer of your skin contains the mature cells that produce lipids that form the protective barrier on your skin. Glycerin helps the young cells mature and move up to the surface before they are eventually shed (4). If this process is interrupted, your skin will look dull and dry.

5. It Gives You Smoother Skin

Applying glycerin will give you smoother looking skin without making it greasy or oily. Glycerin is a humectant – it draws moisture from the environment for smoothing and hydrating the skin.

6. It Improves Skin Elasticity

Excessive exposure to UV rays can deplete collagenⁱ  XA protein produced in the cells of connective tissues responsible for skin elasticity and healthy joints. levels in the skin and lead to significant skin damage. A study conducted in 2014 found that glycerin, along with other compounds, could maintain the skin’s elasticity levels and keep it youthful (5).

7. It Helps In Wound Healing And Infection Control

Solutions with 85% glycerin content have bactericidal and antiviral effects, facilitating fast wound healing. A study found that the application of glycerin on wounds effectively reduced inflammation. Moreover, glycerin-based products were also found to be antimicrobial (6).

8. It Is An Excellent Toner For Oily Skin

Glycerin can also be used as a toner for oily skin. It is non-greasy, and hence can keep your skin toned and hydrated through sebum control.

9. It Can Be Used As A Cleanser

Oily skinned people are prone to acne and breakouts. Since glycerin is a non-comedogenic and has a neutral effect on your skin, you can easily use glycerin-based products for acne prevention and pore minimization for clean skin devoid of impurities, without your skin looking excessively dry and stretchy.

10. It Prevents Photoaging

Glycerin is a common ingredient in most of the commercially available sunscreens as it helps prevent the extensive damage otherwise caused by the UV rays (7). Regular application of such a sunscreen also improves uneven skin tone caused by sun exposure.

Now you know why glycerin is a must-have in your beauty arsenal. While you can always buy beauty products containing glycerin, you can even use it as a separate ingredient in DIY remedies. And if you want to avoid putting any other chemicals on your skin, glycerin is the best bet. I will tell you how.

How To Use Glycerin For Oily Skin

Here are a few ways you can use glycerin on your skin:

1. As An After-Wash

• Wash your face with water and pat dry with a towel.
• Make sure it is a bit damp.
• Take a few drops of glycerin on a cotton ball and apply all over your face.
• Avoid the eye and the mouth areas.
• Let it stay for 20-30 minutes.
• Wash it off.

2. As A Toner

• Take one-fourth cup of glycerin and dilute it with half a cup of rose water.
• Store it in a spray bottle.
• Wash your face thoroughly and spritz the solution on it.

3. As An Anti-Aging Face Pack

• Take an egg white in a bowl and beat it until it is frothy.
• Add a teaspoon each of glycerin and honey to it and mix.
• Apply to your face using your fingertips and leave it to dry.
• Wash with warm water.

4. As A Moisturizer

• Take a tablespoon each of Vaseline, vitamin E oil (squeeze the capsules), and glycerin.
• Mix well and store in a glass container.
• Massage into your skin before going to bed and leave it on overnight.

Note: Use in small proportions.

5. To Reduce Blemishes

• Mix one tablespoon each of milk and glycerin.
• Apply to your skin and let it dry.
• Wipe with a moist cloth.

6. For Minor Burns

• Apply diluted glycerin directly to the affected area and let it stay for 20 minutes.
• Wash it off with cold water.
• Repeat the process as needed.

7. For Rashes And Inflammation

• Take one teaspoon of beeswax, half a cup of shea butter, and a quarter cup of coconut oil. Mix them well. You can even melt them.
• Add two tablespoons of glycerin (once the mixture is cold) and mix thoroughly.
• Beat the entire mixture in a blender until it turns creamy.
• Store in a glass jar and apply to the rash.

Now we know about the various benefits of glycerine on your face. Though glycerin is extremely gentle and relatively safe to be used on your skin, there are a few precautions you need to take.

Precautions To Take Before Using Glycerin

• Do a patch test. Yes. Even though glycerin is non-toxic, you should NEVER use it on your skin without testing its suitability.
• Always mix glycerin with any other ingredient before application. If you are using only glycerin, dilute it with rose water or distilled water. Never use more than required.
• Glycerin always tends to make the skin a little sun sensitive. So, after you have used glycerin on your face, apply sunscreen before you go out in the sun.
• Avoid mixing glycerin with any sticky lotions and creams as it might feel heavy on your skin.

Trivia

Soybeans, corn syrup, sugar, or cane are some natural sources of glycerin used for cosmetic purposes.

Infographic: 5 Benefits Of Glycerin For Oily Skin

There must have been times when you applied glycerin to your face because your favorite moisturizer ran out. Glycerin is a plant-based humectant that keeps your face moisturized without any greasiness. It has amazing skin benefits, and the infographic below lists the top 5 benefits of using glycerin for oily skin. Check it out now!

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Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it good to use glycerin on the face every day?

Yes, it is good and safe to use glycerin on the face every day. You may dilute it and apply it as a moisturizer before going to bed.

Is glycerin good for oily skin in summer?

Yes, using glycerin on oily skin in summer is safe. It may help prevent photoagingⁱ  XPremature aging of the skin caused by direct, prolonged exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. through its skin softening and brightening effects and heal skin inflammation.

Can I mix glycerine with aloe vera gel?

Yes! Mixing glycerine with aloe vera gel can give you enhanced skin benefits such as better moisturization, faster wound healing, and reduced chances of infection.

Can we apply multani mitti with glycerine?

Adding glycerine to your multani mitti face pack can help prevent dryness and improve its texture.

How does glycerin compare to other moisturizing ingredients for oily skin, such as hyaluronic acid or niacinamide?

Both glycerine and hyaluronic acid are humectants that improve your skin’s moisture retention abilities. They trap moisture and keep your skin hydrated. Niacinamide on the other hand displays humectant, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties and is more effective than glycerine as a skincare agent.

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

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Dr. Vindhya L VeerulaMD, FAAD

   

Dr. Veerula (Dr. V) is a diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons. She is an energetic, proactive, and compassionate medical practitioner with 5 years of experience and a thorough understanding of overall mind-body-spiritual wellness. Dr.V is on a mission to inspire and teach people to...more

Ramona SinhaEditor

 

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal. She also did a certificate course in dermatology offered by the Novosibirsk State University...more

Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy. She has taken it upon herself to show...more

Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor

Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content. She loves reviewing skin care and hair care products and constantly endeavors to provide...more