Mild and natural
Glycerine carries effective ingredients, such as aloe gel or fruit juices, into the skin. It is also very mild and is often used for its preservative qualities to help some products be self preserving.
Description
Glycerine is a byproduct of soap manufacturing, and can be either synthetic, or derived from plants or animals. When a caustic or highly alkaline material is added to animal fats or vegetable oils (such as olive or coconut) glycerine is formed along with a fatty part, which is actually soap. The glycerine in Lush products is completely palm-free and vegan friendly. It is derived from rapeseed oil grown in the U.K.
Glycerine is important to the cosmetics industry for different reasons. In a similar way to honey, this clear, viscous liquid absorbs free water into its structure, creating an inhospitable environment for microbes, and making it an ideal substitute for water in products such as shower gels and creams. Glycerine also has softening, hydrating properties on the body and the ability to carry ingredients like fruit juices onto the skin where their benefits can be utilised.
