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Vegetable Glycerine
This is my absolute favorite humectant and I use it in everything. Just out of curiosity is there something better? Are there any downsides to this ingredient? I can’t imagine living without it or substituting anything else. But I never even thought to ask….
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8 Replies
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It is the gold standard….hence the best starting point.
Different humectants work slightly differently at different humidity levels….so you could consider a blend. I like betaine, because it is also a soother. If you want the marketing power of amino acids….consider adding some L-proline.
I also like adding multi-functionals…like propanediol and pentylene glycol….not only will they help moisturise…but they will help boost your preservative.
Good luck.
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Thank you so much! I just looked of L proline and I’m sold.
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I like the Sorbitol too. If the presence of electrolytes is not a problem, then you could try Sodium lactate or Sodium PCA.
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Yes I use sodium lactate too. Electrolytes make formulas harder to create but in a water based it seems to work amazingly. It has a much more tacky feel so I’ve had to do a lot of experimenting. I use it in magnesium lotion to help the magnesium feel less sticky and humid but not sure how well it works since too much can have the opposite effect.
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I have been working with hydroxyethylurea which is a derivative of urea that works as a strong moisturizer and humectant meaning that it helps the skin to cling onto water and thus to make it hydrated and elastic. I have come to like it more than glycerine because it feels nicer on the skin as it is non-sticky and non-tacky and gives a lubricous and moist feeling to the skin.
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I love Urea but someone here mentioned hydroxyethyl urea and I wonder, where on earth does one purchase this?
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Not as available for DIY as plain Urea, but you could try to search it’s trade name - Hydrovance
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I guess it depends where you live. I get mine here (USA):
Hydrovance – Majestic Mountain Sage, Inc. (thesage.com)
@denise.berger
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