Here, we tapped board-certified dermatologists to get the scoop on vegetable glycerin: what it is, how it benefits the skin, and how to use it properly. This heating process causes the glycerin to separate from the fatty acids and, mixed with water, forms an odorless, syrup-like liquid. But before you think about adding this syrupy potion to your meals, you should know that vegetable glycerin is uber-hydrating for the skin. In fact, it’s commonly used in skin care products to give you that soft, supple, dewiness you’ve dreamed of (more on this later). While vegetable glycerin and animal-derived glycerin have similar benefits, the notable difference between the two is that vegetable glycerin is always plant-based. “Glycerin is a general term for a type of sugar alcohol compound, which can be derived from either animal fats or plant fats,” Maiman says. “It can also be artificially synthesized in the lab.” (You also have a natural supply of glycerin in your body, which decreases over time; this is why many brands incorporate it into their products.) Even though glycerin and vegetable glycerin can be used interchangeably, a brand that uses the vegetable-derived ingredient will likely make it clear on the label. If you’re not sure, look for vegan formulas, or feel free to ask the brand directly about how they source their glycerin. In short, healthy skin starts with strong skin barrier function, and glycerin can help you build up that barrier. While we need more research on its anti-inflammatory properties specifically, vegetable glycerin may have some soothing properties as well: “Studies have shown that glycerin exerts antimicrobial effects2 and is capable of reducing the production of cytokines involved in most inflammatory and irritant responses in the skin,” Maiman says. Another study found that mice treated with glycerin had fewer white blood cell responses to irritants. And for those who stick to vegan skin care, we suggest checking your labels to make sure your glycerin is, in fact, plant-based. Again, brands that use vegan formulas will likely make it clear on the label, but you can always double-check if you aren’t sure about their glycerin in particular.
