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We’re using Davines Your Hair Assistant Prep Shampoo – Shampoo for All Hair Types at the moment, and we’re seeing some great results. Our hair is left gently cleansed, light and soft. We were wondering what emollient ingredient was leaving our hair so soft, so we checked to find it was glycerin.
We have a number of hair care products on our shelves which contain this ingredient – but what is it and how does it help our hair?
LiveStrong come to the rescue by explain that glycerin, also known as glycerol, comes from natural resources and can also be synthetically derived. It attracts moisture when in an environment of 70 percent humidity or higher. Consumers have expressed health concerns about synthetic glycerin, but natural forms are also available. Dry hair can occur for a variety of reasons including low humidity, wind and sun exposure, and use of hair-styling products.
Function
Glycerin is a humectant, designed to bring moisture in and retain it. In hair products, glycerin works to draw moisture onto your hair and provides a barrier to keep the moisture locked in. Glycerin can be used as an ingredient in a shampoo or conditioner. In hair serums, glycerin is applied directly to the hair after washing.
Types
There are two types of glycerin: natural and synthetically derived. Natural sources of glycerin include vegetable oils or animal fats. If glycerin is from a natural source it will often be indicated on the label.
When derived synthetically, petrochemicals undergo chemical synthesis to produce glycerin. Larry O’Hanlon, a reporter with Discovery News, reports that petrochemicals have been shown to pose health risks, including lowering sperm count in future generations.
Benefits
In the right environment, with humidity at 70 percent or higher, glycerin has the ability to draw in moisture and help your hair retain moisture. It is soluble in water and easily added to hair-care products.