Glycerin
Glycerol Β· 1,2,3-propanetriol
The three-hydroxyl humectant that pulls moisture from air into hair.
Region
European Union Β· vegetable-derived
Form
Viscous colourless syrup
Shelf
60 months sealed
Class
Vitamin
Key finding
3
Hydroxyl groups β each one binds water molecules to the strand
The brief.
Origin
Saponified from non-GMO rapeseed and sunflower oil in European facilities. Pharmaceutical-grade (Ph. Eur.).
Extraction
Vegetable oil is trans-esterified into methyl esters and glycerol; the glycerol is vacuum-distilled and filtered through activated carbon.
Sustainability
A co-product of biodiesel manufacture β using it upcycles a waste stream. Our supplier is RSPO-certified for palm-free vegetable sourcing.
How it works.
Glycerin's three hydroxyl groups act like tiny magnets for water molecules in the surrounding air. Each glycerin molecule pulls a hydration shell around itself and, when it's dissolved in a hair formula, brings that shell along into the cortex β leaving hair measurably softer, springier, and less prone to breakage.
Delivers
- 01Draws moisture from ambient humidity into the cortex
- 02Improves cuticle flexibility, reducing snap-breakage
- 03Boosts the humectant power of other actives (panthenol, honey)
- 04One of the safest ingredients in the entire cosmetic catalogue
Molecular signature.
The bio-active constituents that make Glycerin work β with standardised percentages where measured by HPLC.
- 01
Three hydroxyl (-OH) groups
Each -OH bonds with 1β3 water molecules, forming a hydration shell around the strand.
- 02
Small, water-soluble
Easily penetrates the cuticle without weighing hair down.
Signal profile.
Six-axis assay
A living profile β the vectors that make Glycerin distinct.
- Evidence52
1 peer-reviewed source
- Potency20
Standardised at 3
- Safety62
Requires patch test
- Heritage77
Documented across 3 traditions
- Sensory58
Vitamin profile
- Sourcing78
Traceable provenance
Heritage.
The record
Isolated in 1779 by Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele from olive oil boiled with lead. Now one of the most-used cosmetic ingredients in the world thanks to its perfect safety record and unmatched humectant power.
Traditional use
Widely used in soap-making since the medieval era; a staple of 19th-century apothecary skin tonics.
Naturally found in
- Every vegetable and animal fat (as glycerol)
- By-product of soap-making since the Middle Ages
- One of the most-studied cosmetic humectants
Field β phial.
Every gram of Glycerin passes five gates before it enters a Ghori formula. No shortcuts, no re-labels β the paper trail runs from soil to seal.
- π€£01
Stage 01
Harvest
Saponified from non-GMO rapeseed and sunflower oil in European facilities. Pharmaceutical-grade (Ph. Eur.).
- β02
Stage 02
Extract
Vegetable oil is trans-esterified into methyl esters and glycerol; the glycerol is vacuum-distilled and filtered through activated carbon.
- β03
Stage 03
Assay
HPLC-verified. 3 standardised for hydroxyl groups β each one binds water molecules to the strand.
- β04
Stage 04
Formulate
3%β15% in leave-on and rinse-off formulas. Above 20% in dry climates can 'reverse-humect' β pulling water OUT of hair.
- β05
Stage 05
Deliver
Stable 60 months sealed. Sealed under nitrogen where required.
Best for. Pairs with.
Best for
- βDehydrated hair in humid climates
- βCurly and coily textures that need moisture
- βAnyone in high-humidity summer months
Pairs well with
People often ask.
Is glycerin bad for curly hair?
Only in extremely dry climates, where it can pull water outward. In normal to humid climates, it's one of the best moisture-drawing actives available.
The paper trail.
- [01]Fluhr JW, et al. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2008 β Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions.
More in Vitamin
Continue the dossier.
- π§πͺStrand fortification
Biotin
Vitamin B7 Β· D-biotin
The keratin cofactor every fragile strand quietly runs out of.
- π©πͺHumectant repair
Panthenol (Provitamin B5)
D-Panthenol Β· Provitamin B5
The molecule that turns into Vitamin B5 the moment it hits your hair.
- πΊπΈAntioxidant shield
Vitamin E (Tocopherols)
d-Ξ±-tocopherol Β· mixed tocopherols
The membrane antioxidant that stops your hair's fatty acids from going rancid.
