Vegetable Glycerin (Food Grade)

Glycerine, also known as Vegetable Glycerin, Vegetable Glycerol, or simply Glycerol, is a transparent, colourless and unscented viscous liquid derived from the oils of plants such as Coconut, Palm or Soy. Although ancient civilizations used botanical matter in both culinary and medicinal applications, Vegetable Glycerine was never used in such early times and is a rather modern substance, the extraction of which only began in the 20th century.

Glycerine-based products are ideal for those with extra sensitive skin, as they contain high level of moisture content to prevent the dehydration of the skin. While it is known for being safe and eco-friendly, the popularity of Vegetable Glycerine is largely due to its humectant property, which draws moisture to the skin and leaves it feeling hydrated. This moisture-retaining quality allows cosmetic products to penetrate more easily into the skin. Other uses include its solvency action which aids herbalists in extracting botanical properties from plant materials without the use of alcohol. This is especially helpful for those with alcohol sensitivities as most liquid herbal extracts contain alcohol.

Properties:

Vegetable Glycerine cleanses the skin without clogging pores, facilitates the skin’s absorption of other beneficial active ingredients in natural products, smooths the look of fine lines and minuscule cracks on the skin, and facilitates the regeneration of new skin. Glycerine evens out the skin tone to lighten darker areas, and diminishes the appearance of unwanted spots and marks. It is also known to protect the skin and scalp from destructive bacteria, regulate oil production, soothe itching and dryness, eliminate congestion in the pores, nourish unhealthy and dull skin and hair and maintain elasticity of the skin and hair strands.

Used medicinally, Vegetable Glycerine cools, soothes, and facilitates the healing of skin discomforts and conditions, such as scratches, cuts, blemishes, burns, itching, hives, rashes, sores, eczema, psoriasis, and other ailments that are characterized by dryness, itchiness, or inflammation.

How to use:

For a non-comedogenic serum that is reputed to soothe and reduce the appearance of acne breakouts overnight, combine ½ tsp Vegetable Glycerine, ½ tsp Orange Blossom Water, and 4 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil and apply this serum to affected areas of the face. Leave it on overnight and, in the morning, rinse it off.

For a cooling balm that soothes the discomforts of insect bites, rashes, and hives, among other skin complaints, begin by thoroughly combining the following ingredients in a small clean container: 2 Tbsp. Aloe Vera Gel Juice, 2 tsp Vegetable Glycerine, and 4 drop Eucalyptus Essential Oil. To use this calming gel for relief, apply it directly to the affected areas of skin.

For a protective and reparative leave-in hair conditioner that locks in moisture, begin by adding the following ingredients in a blender: 1 cup Coconut Carrier Oil, 1/8 cup of Aloe Vera Gel Juice, 2 Tbsp. Vegetable Glycerine, 2 Tbsp. Sunflower Seed Carrier Oil, 1 tsp of Castor Carrier Oil, 8 drops Lavender Essential Oil, and 4 drops Sage Essential Oil. To use this leave-in conditioner blend, apply it to wet hair and style as usual. When not in use, it can be stored in a dark container.

Cautions & contraindications:

Shelf life of glycerine-based extracts is about a year whereas alcohol-based extracts have a shelf life of 4-6 years.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or illness. Please consult your healthcare provider prior to the use of this product if you are pregnant, nursing, have high blood pressure, epilepsy or suffer from seizures, take medications or have a medical condition. Individual results may vary.