Is glycerin water-based or oil-based? Is glycerin water-based or oil-based?

Glycerin is the most common moisturizer, and many moisturizing skin care products contain glycerin. In winter, people often apply a little glycerin to their skin to resist dryness. So, is glycerin water-based or oil-based?

Is glycerin water-based or oil-based?

Glycerin is water-based. According to the principle of like dissolves like. The water phase is easily soluble in water, and the oil phase is not easily soluble in water. To put it simply, when the substance is mixed with water, the result is a transparent solution with an aqueous phase and a stratified or turbid oil phase. For example: water, glycerin, alcohol, acetone, etc. are aqueous phases. Liquid paraffin, silicone oil, vaseline, etc. are the oil phase.

Is glycerin water or oil?

Glycerin is neither oil nor water. It is a moisturizing skin care ingredient that can retain moisture in the stratum corneum, keep the skin hydrated and isolate it from external stimuli. Glycerin, also known as propylene glycol, is a colorless, odorless, sweet viscous liquid.

The effects and benefits of glycerin on the skin

1. Moisturizing: Glycerin is very suitable for people with dry skin. Rubbing glycerin on the skin can moisturize dry skin. Then glycerin will form a protective film on the skin surface to lock the moisture in the skin and reduce moisture loss. Moreover, glycerin will absorb moisture from the air and keep the skin hydrated for a long time.

2. Skin protection: After glycerin is applied on the face, it will form an invisible protective film on the skin surface, isolating the outside air from the skin and protecting the skin from the invasion of the external environment. Therefore, before going out in winter, applying glycerin on exposed skin can protect the skin.

3. Prevent frostbite: Another benefit of using glycerin in winter is to prevent the skin from frostbite. For people who are prone to frostbite on their hands and feet in winter, if they insist on using glycerin every day after the weather turns cold, it can help prevent frostbite. If your lips are prone to chapped by cold, you can apply it on your lips, but be careful not to eat it.

Is glycerin harmful to the skin?

Glycerin is not harmful to the skin. The function of glycerin is to absorb water and moisturize. It will not cause harm to the skin either in terms of its ingredients or efficacy, and will not cause side effects even if used for a long time. Just be careful about how to use glycerin and the precautions. If not used properly, it may dry out your skin.

Precautions for using glycerin

1. The glycerin used must be a glycerin aqueous solution, not pure glycerin. Pure glycerin cannot be used directly and must be diluted. Glycerin is highly photosensitivity, and your skin will appear to turn yellow under the sun, but in fact the skin itself does not turn yellow. However, you still need to do glycerin beauty treatments at the appropriate time.

2. Apply glycerin directly to your face at night. If you want to use glycerin to wipe your face, try to use it at night, because glycerin is photosensitive and may react with light when used during the day, causing your skin to darken. Moreover, if you use glycerin during the day, the glycerin on your face will easily be contaminated by dust in the air, making your skin tone dull.

3. Apply glycerin directly to your face to control the amount used. If you use glycerin to wipe your face directly, you must control the amount you use. Don't apply a lot of glycerin just because it is effective in skin care. Glycerin cannot replenish water. If you use too much at one time, the skin cannot absorb it all at once, which will make your face very oily and may even clog your pores or cause fat particles to grow.