Glycerin

At ORY^®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about glycerin. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.

How to read this page

Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews.

Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY^® uses.

Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly.

1. General Description and Role

Claim: Glycerin (glycerol) is a clear, odorless humectant that draws water into the outer layer of the skin. It is naturally formed when oils are made into soap. In ORY^® products, it helps skin and hair feel hydrated and soft.

Verification: Supported. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that glycerin is safe as a cosmetic ingredient in the practices of use and concentration described. Reviews describe glycerin’s roles in skin hydration and barrier function.

Citations:

- Becker, L. C., et al. (2019). Safety assessment of glycerin as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 38(3 Suppl), 6S–22S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581819883820
  - What it shows: CIR safety assessment of glycerin.
- Fluhr, J. W., Darlenski, R., & Surber, C. (2008). Glycerol and the skin: Holistic approach to its origin and functions. British Journal of Dermatology, 159(1), 23–34. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.2008.08643.x
  - What it shows: Review of glycerol and the skin.

2. Composition and Production

Claim: Cosmetic glycerin is made by splitting vegetable oils (a by-product of soap and biodiesel manufacture) and distilling it to high purity. It is also present naturally in the skin.

Verification: Supported. Its chemistry is well documented.

Citations:

- Fluhr, J. W., Darlenski, R., & Surber, C. (2008). Glycerol and the skin: Holistic approach to its origin and functions. British Journal of Dermatology, 159(1), 23–34. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.2008.08643.x
  - What it shows: Describes origin and functions.

3. Skin Type Suitability

Claim: Glycerin suits all skin types, including dry and sensitive skin.

Verification: Supported. CIR found glycerin safe and non-sensitizing at use concentrations.

Citations:

- Becker, L. C., et al. (2019). Safety assessment of glycerin as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 38(3 Suppl), 6S–22S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581819883820
  - What it shows: Safety data.

4. Hair and Scalp Suitability

Claim: In haircare, glycerin helps hair feel moisturized and supports curl definition.

Verification: Limited evidence. Use in hair products is standard formulation practice; we found no clinical hair studies. In very humid weather, high levels can increase frizz. ORY^® haircare products are not intended to treat scalp conditions.

Citations:

- Fluhr, J. W., Darlenski, R., & Surber, C. (2008). Glycerol and the skin: Holistic approach to its origin and functions. British Journal of Dermatology, 159(1), 23–34. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.2008.08643.x
  - What it shows: General review.

5. Benefits

Claim: Glycerin helps skin feel hydrated, smooth, and soft and helps reduce moisture loss.

Verification: Supported. In a study comparing a 20% glycerin cream with the same cream without glycerin, the glycerin cream improved skin barrier measurements. These are cosmetic moisturizing benefits; ORY^® does not make eczema or wound claims.

Citations:

- Lodén, M., & Wessman, W. (2001). The influence of a cream containing 20% glycerin and its vehicle on skin barrier properties. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 23(2), 115–119. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1467-2494.2001.00060.x
  - What it shows: Study of 20% glycerin cream versus vehicle.
- Fluhr, J. W., Darlenski, R., & Surber, C. (2008). Glycerol and the skin: Holistic approach to its origin and functions. British Journal of Dermatology, 159(1), 23–34. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.2008.08643.x
  - What it shows: Review of mechanisms.

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines

Claim: Glycerin is used in all four ORY^® product lines and forms naturally in handmade soap.

Verification: Supported. Use levels fall within the ranges CIR reviewed.

Product line	Typical level	How ORY^® uses it
Skincare	2–10% (up to 20% in rich creams)	Serums, toners, creams, lotions, cleansers, masks, and mists.
Haircare	1–5% (higher in curl products)	Shampoos, conditioners, curl creams and gels, and leave-ins.
Handmade Soap	Forms naturally; 1–3% added	Formed during saponification; extra glycerin optional.
Cosmetics	2–8%	Foundations, primers, setting sprays, and lip products.

Citations:

- Becker, L. C., et al. (2019). Safety assessment of glycerin as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 38(3 Suppl), 6S–22S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581819883820
  - What it shows: Reported use concentrations.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
  - What it shows: FDA explains how soap is regulated.

7. Pros

Claim: One of the best-studied, gentlest humectants, with a CIR safety conclusion.

Verification: Supported. Strong evidence and long use.

Citations:

- Fluhr, J. W., Darlenski, R., & Surber, C. (2008). Glycerol and the skin: Holistic approach to its origin and functions. British Journal of Dermatology, 159(1), 23–34. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.2008.08643.x
  - What it shows: Review.
- Becker, L. C., et al. (2019). Safety assessment of glycerin as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 38(3 Suppl), 6S–22S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581819883820
  - What it shows: Safety conclusion.

8. Cons

Claim: Glycerin can feel sticky at high levels and works best with an emollient in dry air.

Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:

- Tackiness. Above about 10%.
- Dry air. Pair with an emollient or occlusive.
- Humidity frizz. High levels can swell hair in humid weather.
- Sourcing. Choose vegetable-derived, palm-free, or certified sustainable palm.

Citations:

- Fluhr, J. W., Darlenski, R., & Surber, C. (2008). Glycerol and the skin: Holistic approach to its origin and functions. British Journal of Dermatology, 159(1), 23–34. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.2008.08643.x
  - What it shows: Review.

9. Safety Notes

Claim: Patch test before use; for external use only.

Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:

- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- Humectants work best when followed by a moisturizer or oil, especially in dry air.
- Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes. Do not use on broken or seriously damaged skin.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.

Citations:

- Becker, L. C., et al. (2019). Safety assessment of glycerin as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 38(3 Suppl), 6S–22S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581819883820
  - What it shows: Safety conclusion.

10. Product-line notes

- ORY^® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY^® Haircare: Designed for scalp comfort and the look and feel of hair. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. If you notice sudden shedding or a persistent itchy, flaking scalp, see a dermatologist.
- ORY^® Handmade Soap: Handmade soap is naturally alkaline, and each bar may vary slightly in color, scent, and texture. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
- ORY^® Cosmetics: Lip products are not intended to treat or protect chapped or cracked lips. Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.

11. References

Peer-reviewed research

- Becker, L. C., et al. (2019). Safety assessment of glycerin as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 38(3 Suppl), 6S–22S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581819883820
- Fluhr, J. W., Darlenski, R., & Surber, C. (2008). Glycerol and the skin: Holistic approach to its origin and functions. British Journal of Dermatology, 159(1), 23–34. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.2008.08643.x
- Lodén, M., & Wessman, W. (2001). The influence of a cream containing 20% glycerin and its vehicle on skin barrier properties. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 23(2), 115–119. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1467-2494.2001.00060.x

Government and regulatory sources

- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap

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Glycerin

1. General Description and Role

2. Composition and Production

3. Skin Type Suitability

4. Hair and Scalp Suitability

5. Benefits

6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines

7. Pros

8. Cons

9. Safety Notes

10. Product-line notes

11. References

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines