If you are looking for a natural skin lightener that also adds hydration to your skin, look no further my dear!
Glycerin is used in beauty remedies for skin whitening, alongside other natural ingredients such as green tea, aloe vera, lemon juice, rice flour, saffron, among others.
Being a humectant, glycerin helps with moisture retention and keeps the skin hydrated and plump. It also removes dead skin cells and improves skin tone. Plus, if you have acne-prone skin, you can use glycerin to lighten your acne scars.
Since glycerin soothes skin irritation, it is a great choice for people with sensitive skin types.
Scroll down to learn about other benefits of glycerin and how to use it in a safe way.
What Is Glycerin?
Glycerin, also called glycerine or glycerol, is a natural substance, proven to play a role in skin hydration, skin elasticity, and skin barrier function1.
It is an amazing hydrating ingredient often found in many soaps, body moisturizers, and other skincare products.
It is basically a mix of sugar and alcohol, hence also called glycerol. It is a naturally clear, odorless, and colorless liquid with a thick syrupy consistency.
Glycerin can be found in two forms: natural glycerin also known as vegetable glycerin, and synthetic glycerin, which has petroleum in it. Vegetable glycerin is good for skin, as it has healing and moisturizing properties2.
Glycerin is a humectant, which means that it draws moisture from the atmosphere and as well as the deeper layers of skin to the outer layer of the skin.
Glycerin can help brighten the complexion, reduce the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation, and heal wounds.
Owing to its antibacterial properties, glycerin is a great ingredient to add to your skincare routine if you have acne-prone or oily skin.
Since glycerin soothes the skin and calms redness, it is great for sensitive skin as it often combats skin irritation.
Benefits Of Glycerin
Here are some of the benefits of using glycerin:
- Wound healing
Glycerin can help with the healing of wounds. It strengthens the skin barrier and forms a protective layer which reduces the exposure to skin irritants and facilitates healing. This is particularly great for lightening acne scars.
- Skin whitening
The use of glycerin for skin whitening has been around over the centuries.
Since glycerin helps with the exfoliation of dead skin cells and the removal of dark spots, it reveals brighter, fairer skin with a better complexion3.
- Boosts skin’s moisture
Glycerin keeps the skin hydrated and plump. According to a study4, glycerin when used with hyaluronic acid and Centella Asiatica improved the barrier function and skin hydration multifold in 24 hours.
- Emollient
Since glycerin works to boost skin moisture and leaves the skin soft, it is beneficial for skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and winter itch (winter xerosis)5.
For people with dry skin, it is nothing less than a holy grail because it prevents skin peeling and dry rough patches.
Glycerin is also a good choice for oily skin – this skin type needs moisturizing, too!
- Acne treatment
Other than skin lightening, glycerin works to reduce pimples, blackheads, acne breakouts, and old acne scarring, thanks to its antimicrobial and restorative properties.
The best part? It does not clog pores, and in fact, a glycerin cleanser can help get rid of clogged pores, while soothing active acne.
- Fades pigmentation
Due to its exfoliating nature, glycerin reduces dark spots, melasma, age spots, and dark circles, leading to improved skin tone.
If you’re looking for effective solution to treat hyperpigmentation, you may also try niacinamide and azelaic acid – which together work amazing for dark spots.
- Healthy glow
Since glycerin has hydrating and healing properties, it keeps the skin hydrated and boosts skin health. This leads to a radiant complexion with soft skin.
- Addresses uneven skin tone
Since applying glycerin aids in the removal of dead skin cells, and adds a healthy dewy glow to the skin, it evens out the skin tone.
- Anti-aging benefits
Glycerin keeps the skin pampered and reduces the appearance of age spots, wrinkles, and fine lines, doubling up an anti-ageing treatment.
- Versatile skincare ingredient
Glycerin is not just limited to face whitening. People use glycerin for skin conditions, chapped lips, etc. It is also used in baby skincare products, body moisturizers, glycerin soaps, etc.
How To Use Glycerin?
Glycerin can be used on its own, in skincare products, or as a part of face packs6, as follows:
- Moisturizer
- Face cleanser
- DIY face pack (with honey, rose water, lemon, etc.)
- Toner
- Under eye cream for dark circles
- Lip moisturizer
- Acne treatment
- Anti-aging treatment
- Complexion booster
- Also as hair conditioner
Is Glycerin Safe For Skin?
Yes, glycerin is safe for the skin, as proven by many studies7.
Any skin type can use it for its amazing benefits, including dry skin, oily skin, acne-prone skin, and sensitive skin.
However, it is important to perform a patch test to look out for any hypersensitivity. If you have sensitive or reactive skin, it is best to dilute pure glycerin before application.
Can I Apply Glycerine On My Face Overnight?
Yes, you can apply glycerin on your face overnight. It is actually recommended to use glycerin during the evening routine for best results, as it can cause sun sensitivity in the day.
Does Glycerin Lighten Skin?
The use of glycerin for skin lightening has been doing the rounds for long.
Since glycerin reduces the appearance of pigmentation and lightens dark circles and dark spots, it works on the skin’s dullness and uneven skin tone.
That, coupled with its moisturizing and repairing properties helps improve skin health and skin tone.
The exfoliating properties of glycerin help to remove dead skin cells, gunk from clogged pores, and other residual impurities.
Combined, glycerin lightens and brightens the skin.
If you are wondering: “Is there whitening glycerin that I can use?”, below you can find popular ways to use glycerin for skin whitening.
How Do You Use Glycerin To Whiten Your Body?
Here are some effective ways to use glycerin to whiten your skin:
1. How Do You Use Rose Water And Glycerin For Skin Whitening?
Rose water helps soothe the skin, reduce redness, and add moisture and glow. You can make a toning solution using it with glycerin.
Here’s how:
Just mix one-fourth cup of glycerin along with one and a half cups of pure rose water inside a spray bottle. Use it on cleansed skin and keep it refrigerated.
2. How Do You Use Lemon Juice And Glycerin for Skin Lightening?
Glycerin and lemon juice are an amazing duo to lighten your skin tone. Lemon juice is full of vitamin C, which boosts skin’s health and helps to lighten any skin discoloration or dullness.
Together, glycerin and lemon reduce acne and blackheads.
Pour about a cup of glycerin in a bowl. Add around 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice and mix well. Transfer the mixture to a glass bottle and use it as a moisturizer on your face.
Bonus points if you massage your face gently in small circular motions!
3. How Do You Use Cucumber And Glycerin For Skin Whitening?
Both glycerin and cucumber gel are good for hydrating your skin and keeping it fresh. Cucumber gel hydrates the skin, prevents dryness, and soothes blotchiness while giving a cooling effect to the skin.
It also brightens the skin due to its antioxidant properties and gets rid of dead cells. Apart from reducing acne, it fades scars and blemishes.
You can mix a few drops of glycerin in around 2 teaspoons of cucumber gel. Use this as a face mask to hydrate, brighten, and soothe your skin. Wash off after 10-15 minutes and follow with a moisturizer.
4. How Do You Use Banana And Glycerin For Skin Whitening?
You might be wondering: Are bananas and glycerin good for the skin? Let me tell you, yes!
Apart from being delicious, bananas are full of antioxidants, which is amazing for skin whitening. Coupled with the advantages of glycerin, this combination works wonders when it comes to lightening your skin tone.
Mash an overripe banana and add one tablespoon of glycerin to it. If you feel like it, you can also add half a teaspoon of honey for added hydration. Mix these up and apply this face mask on clean dry skin.
Wash off after 10-15 minutes and enjoy a radiant glow with soft skin.
5. How Do You Use Honey And Glycerin For Skin Whitening?
If you have dry skin, using a face mask of honey and glycerin is exactly what you are missing.
Apart from hydrating the skin, honey soothes skin irritation and adds a healthy glow to your skin.
Add a few drops of glycerin to a tablespoon of honey and apply to your face. After 15 minutes, wash it off with cold water.
To use this combination as an anti-aging mask, beat an egg till frothy and add honey and glycerin to it. Wash off after applying for 10 minutes and finish with a moisturizer.
6. How Do You Use Milk And Glycerin For Skin Whitening?
You can use the combination of milk and glycerin as a gentle cleanser. This is exceptionally good for sensitive, dry, and rough skin. The lactic acid in milk removes dead skin debris and hydrates the skin.
Make a mixture of about 2-3 teaspoons of milk and one teaspoon of glycerin. You can leave it on your skin overnight and wash it off the next morning. Otherwise, simply wash it after 10 minutes of application.
7. Using Products That Contain Glycerin
If you are in a crunch for time, get your hands on products that contain glycerin. They get the job done and are time-efficient.
You can find glycerin in soaps, body moisturizers, (lotions, oil-free moisturizers), eye creams, foundations and various other skincare products.
8. Use Glycerin On Its Own
You can also use glycerin for skin whitening on its own. Just simply dilute it with distilled water and apply it on your face with the help of a cotton ball. Rinse it off after 15 minutes.
Do this regularly to achieve healthy and supple skin with a bright glow.
Is Using Glycerin For Skin Whitening Effective?
Since it has been proven via clinical studies that glycerin lightens pigmentation, boosts skin barrier function, and improves skin tone, these benefits lead to healthy, moisturized skin.
Its exfoliating properties remove dead cell debris, unclog pores and fade pigmentation and dullness, which results in brightening the skin.
Is Using Glycerin For Skin Whitening Safe?
Yes, it is safe to use glycerin for skin whitening. Glycerin is safe for all skin types.
As goes for any new ingredient that you put on your skin, it is recommended to perform an elbow patch test to rule out any allergic reaction.
It is best to use glycerin in diluted form to avoid any irritation.
Possible Side Effects & Safety Precautions
Though glycerin is an amazing ingredient for the skin, here are a few safety precautions that you should know:
- Glycerin might dehydrate your skin, especially if you are in a low-humidity zone. This is because it is a humectant, and it draws moisture from your surroundings as well as deeper layers of your skin to the outer layer of your skin.
- You should always use diluted glycerin to prevent your skin from blistering. Glycerin can attract dust due to its consistency, so using diluted glycerin prevents that.
- Always perform a patch test to look for allergic reactions such as redness, itching, skin peeling, and swelling.
- Since glycerin can cause skin sensitivity, use a strong sunscreen after it or use it in your evening skincare routine.
- It can sting your eyes, hence avoid getting it in your eyes, especially when using it as under eye treatment for your dark circles. If your eyes come in contact with glycerin, wash them with plenty of water.
The purpose of this article is informative and entertaining. It’s not a substitute for medical consultation or medical care. The author of this article does not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Safety should be your priority.
Resources:
- https://journals.sagepub.com/
- https://www.tandfonline.com/
- https://academic.oup.com/
- https://bebodywise.com/
- https://guaiamadre.com/
