4 Amazing Glycerin Substitutes That You’ll Love

After taking a good look at your favorite cosmetic products at home, you may have noticed a common ingredient that constantly pops up in every label: glycerin.

There has been a lot of debate lately whether or not manufacturers should still continue to use the said ingredient. With that said, a search for glycerin substitute is currently in place.

Why Should We Replace Glycerin?

1. They Are Not Vegan-Friendly

Although proven to be quite effective in skin care uses, the process of production in obtaining glycerin is in question. Individuals and organizations who advocate a more vegan approach to cosmetics are looking into other vegan-friendly materials as a glycerin substitute.

If you’re interested, plant-derived glycerin also exists. However, there is reason to believe that most glycerin used in cosmetic products come from animals - particularly from animal tallow, a common source for animal-derived glycerin.

This may not be a serious problem for non-vegans. However, as more and more companies are diverting into more vegan-friendly options, we should also start paying closer attention to what we are using for our bodies.

2. Synthetic Glycerin Exists

According to some people, they have reported irritation from using products with synthetic glycerin. In extreme cases, a tingling and burning sensation was also felt. Others have also said that their skin became soggy or dry after usage.

3. Allergic Reactions

Aside from production being deemed as unethical for a specific group of people, there are also many individuals out there who are allergic to glycerin.

Although very safe for topical use, some people cannot tolerate the effects of glycerin on their skin. Some people may even show signs of skin redness, itchiness, formation of painful bumps and a burning sensation.

The Benefits Of Glycerin

Glycerin has been used in cosmetics for quite a long time. Because of the many benefits it offers, it’s no wonder why companies still prefer to use this ingredient. In fact, glycerin in cosmetic products has no severe side effects of usage at all.

But of course, there is a bit of a caution. As they say, too much of a good thing is bad. Pure glycerin can become very harmful to the skin when used alone.

Now that we have some reasons as to why glycerin needs to be replaced, let’s take a look at why this ingredient is very popular in the first place:

With all the benefits listed above, is there really another alternative to glycerin? The answer is yes. And more often than not, these substitutes are also all natural. Try replacing your glycerin containing products for these options instead.

Glycerin Substitute Options

1. Coconut Oil

Unsurprisingly, coconut oil makes it into the list of glycerin substitutes. If there is one natural ingredient that can do it all, that would be coconut oil. It is very safe for both topical use and consumption and is proven to provide tons of health benefits.

In terms of replacing glycerin, coconut oil is rich in natural vitamins that promote overall healthy skin.

It is also capable of moisturizing and healing redness and irritation of the skin. Plus, it is very easy to find and easily accessible in any local market.

2. Sodium Lactate

If you are considering creating your own cosmetic products, or simply on the lookout for ones that are already available in the market, sodium lactate may be the most common theme for glycerin substitutes.

3. Honeyquat

Looking to try something new? Try Honeyquat. It’s not surprising if you haven’t heard of the name before.

Honeyquat is quite rare in common commercial products. But if you have some time, take a trip to a natural cosmetics shop and you might see it on some labels.

Honeyquat, as the name would suggest, is made from honey. It is a water soluble conditioning agent. And according to research, it has moisturizing capabilities better than glycerin.

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4. Vegemoist

Instead of absorbing moisture from the air like glycerin, Vegemoist actually adds hydration onto your skin. This means that it does not dry up your the water from within your skin onto the top layer like what glycerin does.

With that said, Vegemoist does not have a drying effect on your skin even after use.

Pay Attention To The Needs Of Your Skin

At the end of the day, you have to understand the needs of your skin. Even though glycerin or its substitutes seem like a great product to use, you need to first assess and understand your skin better.

As always, your skin is not the same as others so don’t be disappointed if a product or method is not working out for you. There are plenty of options out there to try out.