Vegetable Glycerin as a Moisturizer??

[swd12422]

Has anyone ever tried this? Is there a reason not to use it?

I'm asking b/c I've used it (diluted with water) as a moisturizer off and on for the past year, but I've never seen anyone else recommend it on these forums. It seems like EVERYONE is using coconut oil! (I'm trying that, too, and like it so far.)

The thing with glycerin is that I'm not sure if it's clogging my pores or not.

Can anyone else share their wisdom/experience on this?

[Gumby]

CO works much better for me during warmer, more humid months. Now, when it's cold and dry, I use olive oil, though I'm toying around with my own recipe for lotion.

If VG works for you, use it!

[William's Mom]

I actually make my own moisturing solution using vegetable glycerin (though the consistency of the finished product is more like a thick hydrosol or a thin serum).

In a glass bottle, I combine:

lavender hydrosol or lavender floral water
rose water
vegetable glycerin
cypress essential oil (though if you're extremely dry, you may not want to add this. I love it though. It tones and really makes my pores so small! And I like the woodsy smell.)

I had never read this combination anywhere. I was just experimenting and I love love LOVE it! I've never had any problem with it clogging my pores.

Good luck!

[swd12422]

Originally Posted by William's Mom

I actually make my own moisturing solution using vegetable glycerin (though the consistency of the finished product is more like a thick hydrosol or a thin serum).

In a glass bottle, I combine:

lavender hydrosol or lavender flower water
rose water
vegetable glycerin
cypress essential oil (though if you're extremely dry, you may not want to add this. I love it though. It tones and really makes my pores so small! And I like the woodsy smell.)

I had never read this combination anywhere. I was just experimenting and I love love LOVE it! I've never had any problem with it clogging my pores.

Good luck!

Oooooh, that sounds DELICIOUS! I may have to try that.

[spiderdust]

Since glycerin is a humectant, it can actually *dry* your skin out if the air is dry.

[swd12422]

Originally Posted by spiderdust

Since glycerin is a humectant, it can actually *dry* your skin out if the air is dry.

Ummmm... I live in the desert! Do you mean that it can dry my skin b/c it pulls moisture from it instead of being able to draw it from the air to my skin??

[William's Mom]

My understanding is that if glycerin (by itself) is applied to the skin, that it can dry skin out over time.

However, if glycerin is applied in combination with something else, such as water, hydrosols or oils, or as an ingredient in a lotion, etc., that it will actually hold moisture in and protect the skin from dryness. This has been my experience. I love my glycerin combination (mentioned in one of the above posts). I've been using it for a long time now, and I can tell that my skin is noticably softer and smoother, both in appearance, and to the touch.

From this website:
http://www.tomsofmaine.com/toms/ifs/glycerin.asp

"Glycerin is an emollient, an ingredient that helps to balance or maintain moisture levels."

AND

"Glycerin is actually part of the skin’s own natural lipid structure. As a moisturizing ingredient, glycerin helps the skin to attract and retain its own natural moisture, leaving it feeling soft. Rather than sitting on top of the skin, glycerin softens the skin while permitting it to breathe."

[William's Mom]

Here are a few more sites that mention using glycerin to make your own light moisturizers.

http://www.smartskincare.com/tips/sk..._20060317.html

http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf818092.tip.html

http://www.momsorganichouse.com/?s=glycerin

http://living.oneindia.in/do-it-your...n-formula.html

I'm sure there are more, but I really need to get back to work!

[swd12422]

These are great! Thanks for clarifying that.

[William's Mom]

Another interesting site about vegetable glycerin.

http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/lea...-glycerine.php

[mavery]

I have acne-prone skin and I use glycerin in my home-made moisturizer because it DOESN'T clog pores.

I mix up: glycerin, aloe vera, a touch of jojoba oil, strong (and well-boiled) green tea, and grapefruit EO. It works pretty well on my skin.