Glycerin

GLIH-sir-in

Humectant 9/10 Safety CG ApprovedClean Natural Vegan

What Is Glycerin?

Glycerin is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol and one of the most effective humectants in hair care. It is a clear, odorless, viscous liquid that attracts and retains moisture from the surrounding environment. Glycerin can be derived from plant oils (vegetable glycerin), animal fats, or synthesized from petroleum.

Source: Plant oils (soy, palm, coconut), animal fats, or petroleum

Origin: Natural

Also known as: Glycerol, Vegetable Glycerin, Glycerine

What Does Glycerin Do to Your Hair?

Glycerin draws moisture from the environment and the deeper layers of skin/hair to the surface, helping to keep hair hydrated and soft. It penetrates the hair shaft to plump and moisturize from within, reducing frizz and improving elasticity. In humid conditions, it can attract too much moisture and cause frizz in some hair types.

Best For

Dry hair, curly hair (3A-4C), high-porosity hair, damaged hair

Not Recommended For

Low-porosity hair in very humid climates, fine hair prone to limpness

Concentration Matters

1-15%

Hair Type Compatibility

1A Straight Fine
1B Straight Medium
1C Straight Coarse
2A Wavy Fine
2B Wavy Medium
2C Wavy Coarse
3A Curly Loose
3B Curly Tight
3C Curly Corkscrew
4A Coily S-Shaped
4B Coily Z-Shaped
4C Coily Tight
Heat-damaged: Beneficial

Method Compatibility

Curly Girl (CG) Method: Approved
CG Approved
LCO Method
LOC Method
Max Hydration

Safety & Regulation

9/10
AvoidCautionSafe

Extremely safe with no known toxicity. In very high humidity (above 65% dew point), glycerin can attract excess moisture and cause frizz. In very dry climates, it may draw moisture out of the hair shaft.

FDA Status: Generally Recognized As Safe

FDA classifies as GRAS for food use. Approved as a skin protectant in OTC drug products. No restrictions in cosmetics.

EWG Score: 1/10

HairAide Verdict

Glycerin is a powerhouse humectant that belongs in most hair care routines. It is safe, effective, and affordable. The only caveat is climate-dependent performance: in extreme humidity or dryness, it may not perform optimally. For most conditions, glycerin is one of the best moisturizing ingredients available.

Products That Contain Glycerin

Conditioners, leave-ins, styling gels, curl creams, shampoos

Alternatives to Glycerin

If you want to avoid Glycerin, look for products with these ingredients instead:

Propanediol, Honey, Sodium PCA, Aloe Vera Juice

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Glycerin safe for hair?

Yes, Glycerin has a safety rating of 9/10 and is generally considered safe for use in hair products. Extremely safe with no known toxicity. In very high humidity (above 65% dew point), glycerin can attract excess moisture and cause frizz. In very dry climates, it may draw moisture out of the hair shaft.

Is Glycerin bad for curly hair?

Glycerin is CG-method approved and is generally considered safe for curly hair.

Is Glycerin CG-method approved?

Yes, Glycerin is approved for the Curly Girl method.

What can I use instead of Glycerin?

Some alternatives to Glycerin include: Propanediol, Honey, Sodium PCA, Aloe Vera Juice

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