May Edition | NUVIOR Canada Ingredient of the month | Glycerin

What Is Glycerin
Glycerin is a colorless, odorless, viscous liquid that is widely used in the beauty industry for its hydrating and moisturizing properties. It is a natural humectant, which means it can attract and retain moisture, making it an excellent ingredient for skincare products. Glycerin is a byproduct of soap-making, where fats and oils are combined with an alkaline solution to create soap. During this process, glycerin is separated from the soap mixture and is collected as a separate product.
How It Works
Glycerin works by binding to water molecules through a process called hydrogen bonding. Glycerin contains three hydroxyl groups (-OH) that can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules, which helps to attract and retain moisture in the skin. When glycerin is applied to the skin, it penetrates the stratum corneum, which is the outermost layer of the skin.
The stratum corneum is composed of dead skin cells and a lipid barrier that helps to prevent water loss from the skin. Glycerin is able to penetrate this barrier because of its small molecular size and its ability to interact with the skin’s lipids.
Once glycerin has penetrated the stratum corneum, it binds to water molecules and creates a protective layer on the skin’s surface. This layer helps to prevent moisture loss by reducing evaporation from the skin. It also helps to maintain the skin’s natural hydration levels by slowing down the process of water loss.
Benefits Of Glycerin
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Hydrating and Moisturizing: Glycerin is a humectant, which means it attracts water molecules from the air and binds them to the skin, creating a protective barrier that helps to prevent moisture loss. This makes it an excellent ingredient for moisturizers, serums, and lotions, as it helps to keep the skin hydrated and supple.
2. Soothing and Calming: Glycerin has natural soothing and calming properties that can help to alleviate skin irritations and inflammations. It is often used in products designed for sensitive skin, as it can help to reduce redness, itchiness, and dryness.
3. Anti-Aging: Glycerin can also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as it helps to improve the skin’s elasticity and firmness. It also contains antioxidants that can help to protect the skin from environmental stressors, such as UV rays and pollution, which can contribute to premature aging.
4. Improving Skin Barrier Function: Glycerin helps to strengthen the skin barrier function by promoting the production of ceramides, which are essential components of the skin’s natural protective barrier. This can help to prevent moisture loss, improve skin texture, and protect the skin from external irritants.

Did you know that glycerin is commonly used in the production of soap?
Glycerin is a natural byproduct of the soap-making process, which occurs when oils and fats are combined with an alkali (such as lye) to create soap. Glycerin is produced as a result of saponification, which is the chemical reaction that occurs during soap-making. Glycerin is a valuable ingredient in soap because it helps to moisturize and hydrate the skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth. Some soap manufacturers remove glycerin from their products to use it in other applications, but many artisan soap-makers choose to leave the glycerin in their soaps to provide additional skin benefits.
Food Sources

Glycerin is a compound that can be found in some natural food sources, although it is typically not consumed in large quantities. Here are some common food sources of glycerin:
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Animal fats: Glycerin can be found in small amounts in animal fats, such as lard and tallow.
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Dairy products: Glycerin can be found in small amounts in dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt.
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Fruits and vegetables: Glycerin can be found in some fruits and vegetables, such as grapes, mushrooms, and asparagus.
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Sweeteners: Glycerin is used as a sweetener in some low-calorie and sugar-free foods, such as baked goods, chewing gum, and candy.
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Alcoholic beverages: Glycerin can be used as a thickener and sweetener in some alcoholic beverages, such as liqueurs and fortified wines.
Our Skincare Top Pick



hydracream fusion
Balancing, anti-pollution cleansing facial cream-oil. It provides nourishment and hydration to the skin, leaving it beautifully smooth.
Dry and sensitive skin. Rich in squalene, a vegetable oil in harmony with the skin providing nourishment and elasticity perfectly absorbed into the tissue without leaving any oily residue. Balancing, anti-pollution facial cleansing cream-oil based on plant lipids, provides nourishment and hydration to the skin, leaving a pleasant feeling of comfort and smoothness.
Skin safety and tolerance of our products are rigorously tested by independent experts: dermatologically tested.
Active Ingredients: squalane, lactobacillus ferment, urban D-tox
Best for: nourishing, bio-balancing and anti-pollution actions
anti-stress mask:
Soothing and repairing mask for all skin types, even the most sensitive. Has decongestant, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties thanks to its complex formulation. Helps to replenish the skin and soothes irritations, redness and swelling.
Anti-stress face mask, in the home performance line, is indicated for soothing irritations and redness and replenishing the hydrolipic layer of areas exposed to environmental aggressions (sun, wind, temperature changes, etc.).
Active Ingredients: aloe vera, rhodosorus marinus extract saffron flower extract
Urban D-tox
Best for: soothing, anti-inflammatory, anti-redness, biobalancing, anti-pollution actions