Natural Glycerin for Curls: Exploring Its Benefits and Alternatives from the Beauty Realm
In the world of hair care, particularly for those with curly locks, glycerin has long been a popular humectant. Known for its ability to attract and retain moisture, glycerin has been a go-to ingredient for maintaining hydrated and defined curls. However, as with any product, it comes with its own set of pros and cons.
Pros of glycerin for curly hair:
- Acts as a strong humectant, drawing moisture to the hair and helping curls stay hydrated.
- Helps maintain consistent moisture, which supports curl definition and softness.
- Can reduce dryness and brittle feeling by replenishing moisture.
However, in low humidity or very dry climates, glycerin may pull moisture away from the hair, leading to dryness, frizz, or increased porosity. Overuse or applying on dry hair without complementary moisturizing ingredients may increase hair brittleness, and products with glycerin can sometimes feel sticky if over-applied.
Natural alternatives to glycerin for moisturizing curly hair include:
- Shea butter: A rich emollient that locks in moisture, softens hair, and reduces frizz.
- Coconut oil: Penetrates the hair shaft to reduce protein loss, providing deep conditioning and moisture retention.
- Honey: A natural humectant like glycerin, good for moisture retention and adding shine.
- Flaxseed gel: Forms a light hold gel and can moisturize, though it might sometimes cause stiffness if used alone.
- Agave nectar and sugar cane extracts: Found in some curl products, these act as natural humectants but should be balanced to avoid stickiness.
One such alternative gaining attention is oats. Oats contain saponins and powerful polymer chains with hydrophilic groups, making them effective at attracting and retaining moisture. Provital's Oat extract is a COSMOS-approved, water-soluble, filmogenic, purifying, and paraben-free alternative to glycerin in curly hair formulations.
The global natural hair care product market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% from 2020 to 2027, and the use of well-known, plant-based and food-related ingredients in cosmetic products is increasingly attractive to consumers. Provital's Oat extract offers antibacterial and antioxidant benefits, making it a valuable addition to hair care products.
In summary, while glycerin can be effective for moisturizing curly hair in appropriate humidity, it can backfire in dry environments. Emollients like shea butter and oils such as coconut oil serve as natural alternative moisturizers, while honey and flaxseed gel can offer humidifying and styling benefits without some of glycerin’s drawbacks. The rise of natural alternatives like oats in hair care products reflects the growing trend towards natural and plant-based ingredients in the global hair care market.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6726653/ [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5894971/ [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5956072/ [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6509305/ [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5680271/
- In the realm of science and health-and-wellness, a growing interest in plant-based ingredients has been observed in the food-and-drink industry, as well as in the fashion-and-beauty sector, particularly in skin-care and therapies-and-treatments, with CBD being a notable example.
- The benefits of CBD extend beyond health and wellness, as it is increasingly being incorporated into lifestyle products, such as home-and-garden items, due to its potential to promote relaxation and stress relief.
- As consumers become more conscious of their lifestyle choices, they are seeking out products that align with their values, such as sustainable food-and-drink options and eco-friendly home-and-garden supplies.
- In addition to their potential health benefits, natural ingredients like oats have made their way into nutrition and skin-care formulations, offering moisture retention and anti-inflammatory properties.
- The growing demand for natural and plant-based ingredients in the health-and-wellness industry is evident in the thriving market for science-backed products, such as those developed by Provital, which incorporate ingredients like oat extract into their hair-care and skin-care formulations. [Reference: (1), (2), (3), (4), (5)]
