Humectant
Discover the laws of attraction with glycerine, a humectant and a carrier that locks in moisture and effective ingredients, such as essential oils, into the skin. It is often used for its water absorbing qualities helping some products become 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 like sodium hydroxide 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 UK.
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.
FEATURED
Join the self-preservation revolution
Preserving products comes naturally! Mother Nature holds all the answers to making fresh, effective products - without synthetic preservatives.
Combining meticulous product formulation with tried and (human) tested natural ingredients, we’ve been able to create cosmetics that keep themselves clean. In the process, we’ve learned that materials like honey, clay and sea salt can reduce the water content of a product and create an environment that is inhospitable to micro-organisms, but simultaneously add benefits to a formula, making it lovely to use on your hair and body.
It’s a win-win situation.
Learn more about the art of self-preserving on the interactive hub here.
Or alternatively, tuck into an explanatory article or two here.