Glycerin and Hair Growth: Mechanism of Action

Implementing a good hair care and scalp care regime is a great way to cultivate a healthy scalp and promote hair growth. While many factors contribute to hair loss, including genetics, diet, and illness, high-quality scalp and hair care products are essential to ensuring good scalp, follicle and hair health.

Understanding the ingredients in these products and how they can benefit you will allow you to choose the most suitable ones for your needs.

This article will explore the benefits of glycerin in Divi's Shampoo, Conditioner, and Scalp Serum so you can better understand how it can help you while feeling confident in Divi’s lineup of products.

What is Glycerin?

Glycerin is derived from animal fats or vegetable and plant oils and is an odorless and colorless compound. As a humectant, it pulls water to the hair from the inside and outside. That means your hair and scalp are kept moisturized and healthy.

Studies show glycerin is an effective moisturizer for the skin, which is beneficial to the scalp and for tackling conditions like dandruff.

How Does Glycerin Facilitate Hair Growth?

Divi ensures the ingredients used in our scalp care products have properties that help improve hair, follicle and scalp health, and glycerin is no different.

There are many ways glycerin can improve the hydration of hair and the scalp, which in turn creates a better environment for hair to grow.

But how does it do this?

A 2017 study found glycerin was effective in drawing water from the environment into the scalp and providing hydration. This helps to prevent Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL).

Glycerin can bind water molecules through the formation of hydrogen bonds. The level at which it can do this depends on the environment's humidity.

Ok, so why is moisture so important?

Hydration is a key element in hair strength, and well-moisturized hair can prevent breakage, which is more common with dry hair.

Antimicrobial properties found in glycerin can help reduce itchiness common with dandruff or dryness, and glycerin has moisturizing capabilities to help regulate the scalp's oil production.

Conditions Treatable With Glycerin

Glycerin, along with the other ingredients in Divi's lineup of products, is carefully measured to ensure you can enjoy multiple benefits. The following conditions can be improved by introducing glycerin into your hair care routine:

• Itchy scalp – An itchy scalp is typically caused by dryness or situations resulting from dryness. Glycerin is commonly found in hair and scalp care products because of its moisturizing capabilities. Glycerin also possesses anti-inflammatory properties to help relieve itchy scalps.
• Dry Scalp – A 2017 study found that skin hydration was improved over 24 hours when using glycerin. The test explored transepidermal water loss among women aged around 40. Results found that the skin areas treated with glycerin increased hydration by 29% after 24 hours.
• Dandruff – A 2014 study that explored the effects of leave-on moisturizing lotion containing glycerin found that regular use over an 8-week period saw a significant improvement in the scalp's hydration and water barrier function, as well as a substantial reduction in dandruff.
• Seborrheic dermatitis – Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition caused by excess Malassezia yeast. Malassezia is also a common cause of dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis occurs when the immune system reacts too strongly, resulting in red, itchy skin, scaly patches and dandruff. The use of glycerin to help moisturize the skin, regulate oil production, and treat the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis can be effective along with other remedies prescribed by a medical professional. A 2018 study also found that glycerin as an ingredient in topical anti-fungal treatments for seborrheic dermatitis provided positive results.
• Non-bacterial folliculitis – Non-bacterial folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles. A 2008 study states glycerin's antifungal and antimicrobial properties can be beneficial in treating non-bacterial folliculitis.
• Psoriasis – Psoriasis is a condition causing flaky, scaly skin and is caused by an accelerated production of skin cells due to an issue with the immune system. The Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University conducted a study to explore the use of glycerin on psoriasis, with patients reporting positive results when applied topically.
• Eczema – Atopic eczema is a skin condition that causes sore, cracked and itchy skin. A study explores the effect of glycerin on eczematous skin found that 85% of the patients tested found their skin improved. Glycerin's moisturizing properties can enhance the quality of the skin and help the condition heal quickly.
• Sensitive scalp – Glycerin's hydrating properties help enhance the skin's quality and soothe sensitivity. Sensitive scalps can be caused by a number of issues, including sunburn, migraines, autoimmune disorders, rashes and more. Moisturization is crucial to good skin health, and glycerin makes it much easier to tackle a dry scalp and moisturize your hair because of its ability to pull moisture from the surrounding atmosphere.
• Thinning hair – Glycerin is a critical component in tackling dry hair. Dry hair is prone to cracking or splitting. Keeping your hair hydrated can minimize this risk. Well-moisturized hair helps keep the hair shaft stable and nourished, promoting thicker hair growth and tacking thinning hair. Preventing your hair from thinning is a by-product of having a healthier scalp, hair, and hair follicles. Glycerin makes this easier when combined with the other high-quality ingredients in Divi's products.

Can Too Much Glycerin Affect Hair Growth?

There is no evidence that excessive glycerin use will affect hair growth, but too much of anything already indicates an unnecessary excess. Divi's products ensure you get a safe and effective amount of ingredients, including glycerin, to enjoy the potential benefits if you have hair concerns.

Possible Side Effects of Glycerin

There aren't typically any side effects noted for glycerin use in hair care products. Allergic reactions can occur, even with clean ingredients like ours, so checking the ingredients beforehand is advised.

Final Thoughts

Glycerin is an excellent ingredient in hair care products because of its ability to improve the skin barrier function and facilitate moisturization of the scalp, hair follicles and hair. This can improve your overall scalp health and ensure individual hair strands get the nourishment needed to enhance hair volume.

Glycerin can draw moisture from the surrounding environment. Ensuring the skin surface of your scalp is well-moisturized will minimize the risk of complications and skin conditions capable of affecting hair growth and be uncomfortable for the sufferer.

High-quality hair and scalp care products can make a significant difference to your hair quality, and controlled studies show glycerin helps in several ways. Divi's Scalp Serum uses only scientifically proven, clean ingredients, such as glycerin, to create an environment promoting scalp conditions for healthy, strong and vibrant hair.