Let's Talk Hair: Glycerin is Glycerin is Glycerin..RIGHT??

 

Hola Chicas/Chicos..I pray all is well with everyone..

Well a lovely natural asked the question in regards to the difference in glycerin vs. vegetable glycerin. And are there difference between the glycerin we buy from, let's say Walmart, or a natural foods store..save price?? Well, this was an excellent question indeed, so why don't we just put on our inspector hats and delve into this difference, if one should exist.

Types of Glycerin:

• Vegetable Glycerin: Plant Based/Food Grade
• Glycerin: Animal Based or Petroleum Based

Vegetable Glycerin:

• Does not dry as fast as animal glycerin
• Does not become rancid (rank, sour or stale) or ferment 
• Does not dry as fast as animal glycerin
• Has more uses due to it being food grade

Non Vegetable Glycerin:

• Made from petroleum or animal fats such as lard, grease or tallow (fatty hard tissue of the animal)
• Usually not purified
• Cheaper to make (hence the price difference of that of veggie glycerin)
• Has a tendency to clog pores and create dryness

Glycerin...The Similarities

• Both act as emollients and humectants (draws moisture from the air to the hair)
• Both are thick, clear and odorless
• When diluted, glycerin can be a wonderful moisturizer..but take precaution in humid and dry climates.
• If the air is hot and humid, glycerin will absorb the moisture from the air and cause the hair to swell, creating coarse frizzy hair. 
• In weather that is extremely dry, glycerin will seek out the moisture in your hair, therefore dehydrating your hair, which can cause damage and breakage.

So, what about the Glycerin in Walmart or any other store that is not a health food store??

• The USP glycerin in the Walmart pharmacy is vegetable glycerin and is more pure than the FCC grade in the grocery section (that’s the only difference)

Glycerin..Bottom Line

• Try to aim for glycerin that is plant based and use a small amount when adding it to your homemade spritz or homemade products.
• Because glycerin is a humectant and we have hot and humid heat here, I steer clear of adding glycerin to my homemade spritz or any other homemade product.

Where to buy: Glycerin can be found at local grocery stores, natural health food stores and herb shops and numerous cites online

Have A Happy Healthy Day

Credits: some info found at www.newlynatural.com