Glycerin
A simple, plant-derived humectant that draws water to the hair. Great in moderate humidity, counter-productive in very dry or very humid air.
- INCI name
- Glycerin
- Origin
- Plant-derived
- Role
- Humectant that pulls water from the air
- Best for
- Dry hair in moderate climates · Curl definition with hold
- Watch out
- In very humid weather it can pull in too much water and raise frizz; in very dry air it can pull water out of hair.
What it does
Glycerin is produced from plant oils (ours is vegetable-derived). As a humectant it attracts water from wherever there is more of it, which is why its behaviour depends on the weather: in a humid room it adds moisture and softness; in a desert it can do the reverse.
That is also why some curly-hair routines go "glycerin-free" for summer. It is a dose question rather than a good-or-bad one, so we keep it low in anti-frizz blends and higher in winter moisture formulas.
How we use it
Low doses in frizz-focused formulas, higher in dry-climate moisture blends; the scan factors in reported climate when available.
Helps with
Often paired with
- Argan oilEmollient oil for slip and shine
- Shea butterOcclusive butter that seals moisture in
- Aloe veraLightweight humectant and scalp soother
Sources
- Hair cosmetics: an overview (Gavazzoni Dias, 2015) · International Journal of Trichology
Educational only, not medical advice. Persistent scalp irritation, sudden hair loss or unexplained breakage warrant a visit to a dermatologist. Written by Cosmixxology R&D.