ABSTRACT
The balance dichotomy of the glycerine molecule is its signature and the key to its decade of use as a major constituent in the cosmetic industry. Glycerine helps in the creation of different product forms, including sticks, gels, microemulsions, and creams. Glycerine is added to many products because of its ability to attract and hold water. Measuring the relative humidity of aqueous glycerine, as a function of temperature in a closed environment, is one way to quantify its humectant power. The general presumption that glycerine is a very safe ingredient is derived from its overwhelming widespread use in a multitude of products which can be ingested or topically applied. Although the humectant effect of glycerine makes it a wonderful cosmetic ingredient for reasonably intact skin, there are situations in which its osmotic pressure effects can be detrimental. Glycerine is also useful for formulating barrier creams against non-solvents.
