What is Glycerol?
Glycerol is the pure chemical compound known scientifically as propane-1,2,3-triol. It is a trihydroxy alcohol that forms the structural backbone of many lipids. Clear, viscous, and highly hygroscopic, glycerol is naturally found in fats and oils and plays a fundamental role in both plant and animal metabolism.
Industrial production of Glycerol is done via :
- transesterification of triglycerides, a chemical reaction where fats or oils are reacted with alcohol (e.g., methanol), producing glycerol as a by-product.
- hydrolysis of fats, where Triglycerides are broken down with water under heat and pressure to release glycerol
- or sugar fermentation by microbes.
In the human body however, glycerols are released when triglycerides are broken down in adipose tissue (fat).
What is Glycerine?
Glycerine on the other hand is the commercial term for refined glycerol. In the context of skincare, the two terms are often used interchangeably. However, glycerine may contain trace impurities depending on its production method — such as residual fatty acids, salts, or alcohols. Despite these differences, both offer powerful humectant and skin-conditioning benefits.
How it’s made:
- Produced as a by-product of biodiesel* (via transesterification) or soap manufacturing (via saponification).
- Extraction methods include hydrolysis, transesterification with alcohol, or saponification of fats with caustic alkali.
*Common confusion: biodiesel is biodegradable fuel, made from vegetable oils and fats or recycled cooking oils. While it is a nice alternative to Petroleum diesel (from petrol industry), they are NOT THE SAME.
Bottom line: Glycerol is the pure compound; glycerine is the trade name for its use in industry, especially cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
What are Glycerides?
Glycerides are esters formed when one, two, or three fatty acid molecules bond with glycerol, resulting in mono-, di-, or triglycerides. These molecules are major constituents of natural fats and oils and serve diverse roles in skincare:
- Monoglycerides: Often used as emulsifiers and surfactants.
- Diglycerides: Stabilize formulations and offer mild emollient effects.
- Triglycerides: Function primarily as rich emollients and skin-conditioning agents, providing barrier recovery.
What Are Glycerites?
Glycerites are glycerine-based botanical extracts. They are created by macerating plant materials in glycerine over an extended period, allowing the solvent to extract water-soluble compounds, phytochemicals, and antioxidants.
They are commonly used in natural or alcohol-free skincare as gentle, hydrating vehicles for botanical actives. They are especially valued in green beauty formulations for their skin tolerance and extraction process.
Skin benefits of these ingredients
Despite their chemical and functional differences, these four ingredients offer a common set of skin benefits that make them highly valued in cosmetic formulations.
All of them help attract and retain moisture, deeply hydrating the skin and reducing transepidermal water loss. This not only improves overall skin hydration but also promotes elasticity and supports the repair and maintenance of the skin’s natural barrier. By reinforcing the skin’s protective layer, they help defend against environmental stressors and prevent dryness or irritation.
Additionally, these ingredients are also known to soothe inflammation, accelerate healing, and calm sensitive skin. Glycerol, in particular, has demonstrated mild antimicrobial properties, contributing to a cleaner skin environment. Their biomimetic nature, meaning they closely resemble the lipids found in human skin, makes them highly biocompatible and well-tolerated across most skin types, including sensitive and reactive ones.
Moreover, they enhance the performance of other cosmetic ingredients by improving skin absorption and supporting the even distribution of actives. Glycerites offer added value by combining the hydrating power of glycerine with plant-based extracts that deliver targeted antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, or astringent effects.
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Table Summary of the benefits of Each Ingredient |
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|
Function in cosmetics |
Ingredient |
||||
|
Role |
Action |
Glycerol |
Glycerine |
Glycerides |
Glycerites |
|
Humectant |
Draws moisture into the skin. |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Solvent / Carrier |
Helps dissolve and deliver ingredients. |
X |
X |
|
X |
|
Emollient |
Softens skin and improves texture. |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
Skin protector (barrier function) |
Supports barrier function and soothes irritation. |
X |
X |
X |
|
Conclusion
Though chemically related, glycerol, glycerine, glycerides, and glycerites play distinct yet complementary roles in skincare. From deep hydration and barrier repair to emulsification and plant extract delivery, understanding these ingredients allows you to make more informed skincare choices. With that said, check out these products in Our Collection Featuring These Ingredients :
A modern take on hydration and skin defense, the Instant Rich line is formulated with moisture-binding glycerin and barrier-repairing caprylic/capric triglyceride to restore glow and comfort to tired skin.
- Instant Rich Serum: This lightweight serum combines niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and oil-absorbing natural silica for mattifying hydration. It smooths and balances skin, making it a perfect prep step for your morning skincare or makeup routine.
- Eye Contour Cream: Formulated with caffeine, plant peptides, and soothing botanicals, this eye cream helps de-puff and brighten the delicate under-eye area while supporting skin elasticity and hydration.
Ideal for mature or dry skin, the Pro-Aging line blends glycerides, vitamins, and firming actives to help reverse early signs of aging with both instant and long-term results.
- Day Cream: A daily essential powered by polypeptides, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid to visibly firm and plump. Lightweight yet nourishing, it restores radiance and smooths texture without feeling heavy.
- Night Serum: This intensive treatment features 0.1% retinol, sweet almond oil, and vitamin E to refine skin overnight. It targets wrinkles, uneven tone, and dullness while deeply replenishing with antioxidant-rich oils.
Bright Care Glow Face Mask: Get your glow back in just minutes. This creamy mask is powered by niacinamide, tranexamic acid, and peptides to visibly brighten and hydrate. With glycerin and skin-soothing lipids, it leaves skin smooth, radiant, and revived—perfect for a midweek boost.
Delicate Remove Line Gentle yet effective, this two-step cleanser set removes makeup, including waterproof, without disrupting your skin’s balance. Infused with rose water, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid, both formulas leave skin fresh, soft, and prepped for skincare.
Makeup Meets Skincare
Our makeup isn’t just cosmetic, it’s skincare in disguise. Some of our products include this nourishing ingredient, that we’ll guarantee you’ll love!
- Luxurious Velvet Lipstick: A bold, full-coverage lipstick enriched with pomegranate antioxidants and ceramic microspheres for smoothing, long-lasting wear that feels as good as it looks.
- Butterflow Lip Balm: A buttery-soft balm-gloss hybrid, infused with murumuru butter, shea butter, and ceramide-like amino acids. It melts on contact for a glossy tint that deeply nourishes and hydrates.
- Binggys Foundation Serum: Skincare and coverage in one. This serum-foundation hybrid blends glycerin, coco-glycerides, and vitamin E to hydrate, blur imperfections, and protect with SPF 25. The second-skin satin finish delivers a flawless glow with zero mask effect.
Body Silk Moisturizing Lotion: A lightweight, fast-absorbing body lotion powered by glycerin, shea butter, and green tea extract to soothe and deeply hydrate. It supports your skin’s moisture barrier for all-day softness and radiance, without any greasy residue.
The City Shield Serum uses 1% Ectoine to shield against environmental stressors, while glycerin and B12 restore softness and vitality.
Disclaimer: This article was written with the support of artificial intelligence (AI). However, all information presented is based on verified scientific sources and has been fact-checked and reviewed by the researchers on our team. We are committed to maintaining accuracy, credibility, and scientific integrity in all published content.