Glycerin, or glycerol, is derived from plant-based oils. It also occurs naturally in fermented goods, such as beer, wine, and bread.
This ingredient was “accidentally” discovered in 1779 by a Swedish chemist heating up an olive oil mixture. He identified the resulting fat as glycerin.
Since the mid-nineteenth century, people have used glycerin to create soap. This process involves heating up certain plant oils and allowing the solution to cool and harden into bar form.
Pure glycerin soap is all-natural. It doesn’t contain alcohol, fragrances, or other chemical-based ingredients that could irritate your skin.
This makes glycerin soap vegan-friendly and a great option for people with sensitive skin.
Your skin’s natural oils are often stripped during the bathing process, whether from hot water or harsh products. Glycerin can help lock in your skin’s natural moisture and prevent over-drying.
This may be especially beneficial if you experience drying conditions like:
At the same time, glycerin is nongreasy. This means it’s a good choice for anyone with oily or combination skin.
Glycerin may also have anti-aging benefits. According to a mice study reported in Science Daily, the ingredient can help even out your skin tone and texture. This may reduce the appearance of fine lines and other surface blemishes.