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Ingredient(s) to Replace Glycerin in O/W Cream?
What ingredient(s) could function as replacement(s) for glycerin in an O/W cream?
Considering the functions of glycerin in an O/W cream, what alternatives to glycerin could provide similar performance and functionality?
Thanks!
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35 Replies
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There are certainly loads of materials that have the same sort of activity (humectant). It is a whole class so to post a comprehensive list is not feasible.The big question is why? Glycerin is effective, not sticky if used at the right levels, easily obtained and universally accepted under every credible “natural standard.” Could I replace my ground beef with air aged ground Kobi Beef? Yes, it would still feed me but cost significantly more. -
Hyalauric acid attracts water from air to skin more than glycerin 100 times or more
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70% Sorbitol solution. I agree with Microformulation though, glycerin is cheap and considered “natural” so there is no reason to not use it unless specifically requested (I’ve had a few odd “no glycerin” requests but it’s not the norm, even for “natural” brands)
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There’s the “No Glycols” segment of the natural community that @Spadirect might be catering to … this includes Glycerin as one of their targets.
Sorbitol, Sodium PCA, Betaine … lots of options here as substitutes for glycerin.
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I have had clients request “No glycols” also. They really couldn’t say why except that they kept seeing “Glycol free” online.
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I have no objection to glycerin (or glycols) at all. I am aware that it performs its humectant function just fine in 100s of thousands of products. I know it is relatively cheap and can be easily found derived from 100% bio-based feedstocks.
I was just curious if there were any replacements that might perform the same functions with equal or better performance. Of course, cost will always be an important consideration as well.
If costs be damned, what are the names of some of the better performing humectants in the long list of ingredients that could function as legitimate replacements for glycerin (aside from the kindly aforementioned 70% sorbitol solution and hyaluronic acid)?
Thanks again!
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Yes, the aforementioned Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Lactate or Sodium PCA if you want performance somewhat superior to Glycerin. You should also take a look at Saccharide Isomerate or Betaine (an osmolyte). Hyaluronic Acid will be the best, but also the most expensive, by quite a bit relative to the others.
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So now polyols are targeted as well? Pffff… unbelievable.
Oh of course! Because they’re used in anti-freeze!!! How can we put that on our skins!!!! :#
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If you’re just looking for new marketing angles, we often use Pentavitin which has Saccharide Isomerate or Prodew 600 which has natural moisturizing factor amino acids and betaine.
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@Doreen, they found a new victim.
https://helloglow.co/ingredients-to-avoid-in-makeup-and-skincare-products/
Retinol causes cancer now
I guess I will die soon. -
The Glucam line from Lubrizol is fantastic as well. https://www.lubrizol.com/personal-care/products/product-finder/products-data/167?productname=Glucam%E2%84%A2%20E-10%20humectant
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@ngarayeva001
And of course parabens are in bold an extra big letters! :joy: -
I see your simple question has turned into yet another debate. Yrs there are several others to ANSWER your question! The sodium lactate, hyaluronic, Sodium Pca, Propylene and Butylene Glycol, Sorbitaol, Allintoin, etc. Researching the different humectants will give you more of what your looking for and your reasoning for wanting something other than glycerin in your formula. So we are clear as the reasoning and NOT asuming, is there a specific reason you want to use something other than glycerin?
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Pardon my spell ✅ on my phone!
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Keep in mind that this thread will be referred to by others in the search functions. There is no requirement that it stay on task. The group is also building a knowledge base.
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Sodium PCA /Sodium Lactate + polymers =>goodbye viscosity.
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@Jdawgswife76 I am not looking specifically to eliminate glycerin from a formula. I am just curious to learn about as many options as possible.
Thanks to all for the suggestions!
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one material (PURASAL MOISTXS) claim to contains Sodium Lactate+Sodium gluconate. anybody had worked with this material or have any idea?I want to use this in my moisturizing cream. -
ngarayeva001 said:Sodium PCA /Sodium Lactate + polymers =>goodbye viscosity.
Not all polimers behave the same, but I did face that issue many times.
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@em88, the most robust polymers I have experience with are Sepimax Zen and Sodium Polyacrylate. They both lose viscosity even with low level of Sodim PCA. Do you know any polymer that doesn’t?
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@ngarayeva001
I didn’t have issues with PCA and Zen? -
@Spadirect don’t know if anyone has used this one, Zemea Propanediol, it allegedly has many benefits over glycerin? and can be called Natural.
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There are now plant derived versions of Pentylene Glycol from Minasolve.Nothing can be called “natural” since it isn’t a defined term.
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@Microformulation so if its not scheduled then you can use it all you like. Who said you cannot use it?
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ngarayeva001 said:@em88, the most robust polymers I have experience with are Sepimax Zen and Sodium Polyacrylate. They both lose viscosity even with low level of Sodim PCA. Do you know any polymer that doesn’t?
I must say, Seppic products are amazing, but expensive.
They use “Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer” which seems to be very stable. I’ll look around if I can get my hands on that gelling agent.
I haven’t had much luck with sodium polyacrylate, still a great gelling product.
Cellulose based polymers have been stable when I have used them in the past.As per this thread, d-panthenol is an other alternative not mentioned here.
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