What Is a Glycerite? Uses, Benefits and Formulation Tips for Skincare and Haircare

What Is a Glycerite? Uses, Benefits and Formulation Tips for Skincare and Haircare

Aiden van Wyk

In this guide, you’ll learn: 

  • what a glycerite is and how it differs from oil or alcohol extracts 
  • which plant compounds glycerine extracts well (and which it doesn’t) 
  • how to use glycerites in skincare, haircare and bath products 
  • recommended usage rates and formulation tips 
  • when to choose a glycerite over other extract types 

A classic humectant with the added benefit of botanical support – here’s what a glycerite actually is, what it extracts (and what it doesn’t), and how to use glycerites in skincare, haircare and even bath formulations. 

What Is A Glycerite? 

Glycerites are viscous liquid extracts made using vegetable glycerine as the main solvent, usually combined with a small amount of water to improve diffusion through the plant. 

This glycerine–water system selectively extracts water-soluble plant compounds, including: 

  • Polyphenols and phenolic acids 
  • Flavonoids (many times you’ll find them as glycosides) 
  • Tannins 
  • Saponins 
  • Sugars 
  • Mucilage and other polysaccharides 

What it does not extract well are strongly lipophilic (i.e. oil-soluble) compounds like: 

  • Resins 
  • Essential oil components (terpenes) 
  • Carotenoids 
  • Resin acids (like boswellic acids) 

For those, an ethanol extract, oil maceration, or CO₂ extract would be more effective. 

In other words, glycerites are selective extracts, not incomplete ones. Every solvent has strengths and limitations – glycerine favours the water-friendly side of plants. 

What Are Polyphenols And Phenolic Acids? 

Polyphenols are a broad family of plant antioxidants, including familiar names like catechins and tannins. 

 In skincare, these can: 

  • Provide antioxidant support 
  • Reduce the visible effects of environmental stress 
  • Add mild astringency 
  • Supports overall formula stability through minor amounts of metal chelation 

Some polyphenols can absorb UV light, although a minor amount (so they are no replacement for a sunscreen). 

What Are Flavonoid Glycosides? 

Flavonoids are plant compounds bound to sugars (glycosides). Examples include quercetin, apigenin and luteolin. 

These offer antioxidant properties, calming and soothing benefits as well as supporting an even and healthy-looking complexion 

What Are Saponins? 

Saponins are amphiphilic glycosides – big word, but think of saponins as the plant world’s soap-like molecules. One end of a saponin likes water and the other end likes oil, so it can grab a little oil and help it mix into water. 

At low levels in a glycerite, they can: 

  • Help disperse small amounts of oil 
  • Soften skin feel 

They won’t turn a toner into a foaming cleanser - not at normal use levels - but they can subtly influence texture and solubility. 

What Is Mucilage? 

Mucilage is water-binding hydrocolloids that form films on the skin – which basically is a plant gel like the slippery, cushiony ones you get from marshmallow root, seaweeds, psyllium and flax seed. Mucilage dissolves into the glycerine/water mix and turns into a silky, water-holding film on the skin. 

In formulas it adds immediate comfort – reducing skin tightness – adds slip to products and can also add a touch of thickness to formulas. 

What Glycerites Can’t Do 

Hydroglycerol extracts are broad botanical infusions rather than standard, potent actives like niacinamide or caffeine powder. Their chemical profile depends on the plant used, extraction ratio and the processing method. The best way to think of them is as gentle, botanical additions rather than concentrated actives. 

Why Formulators Like Glycerites 

Glycerites are: 

  • Alcohol-free 
  • Generally gentle on skin 
  • More stable than a water extract 
  • Water-soluble 
  • Easy to add in cool-down 
  • Compatible with emulsions, gels and toners 
  • Naturally hydrating and supportive of the skin barrier 

For formulators working with water-based products, especially those avoiding alcohol, they offer a simple way to include herbal extracts without destabilising the formula. 

Do Glycerites Have Preservatives? 

While most water-based products need added preservatives, the high concentration of glycerine reduces water activity and binds water. This suppresses microbial growth and oxidation. For this reason, it's common to find Glycerites preservative-free, dependent on how much water is added. 

However, once incorporated into a finished formula – one with probably additional water - preservation is absolutely essential. Always formulate with a complete preservative system in your final product. 

Botanical Glycerites & Extracts – Simplified  

Antioxidant & Environmental Support 

These glycerites are often chosen to help support the skin against everyday environmental exposure and oxidative stress. 

  • Green Tea – Rich in catechins like EGCG. Frequently used in lightweight serums and mildly acidic toners designed to clear and resilient skin. 
  • Rosemary – Valued for helping support skin exposed to environmental stress. A strong fit for revitalising and “pollution protection” blends. 
  • Blackcurrant – Brings antioxidant-rich plant pigments into formulas. Lovely in serums aimed at giving you a natural glow. 
  • Turmeric – Glycerine extracts favour the non-staining, water-soluble compounds of turmeric. Often chosen for its potent antioxidant-supportive qualities without the intense yellow tint of oil extracts. 
  • Hibiscus – Naturally rich in pigment and mild fruit acids. Adds antioxidant support with a subtly refining feel. 

Brightening & Tone-Supporting Blends 

These are commonly used in formulas aimed at promoting a more even-looking complexion. 

  • Liquorice Root – Popular in brightening blends for helping support a more even-looking skin tone. Often paired with other antioxidant extracts. 
  • Rosehip – Brings natural fruit acids and plant antioxidants into water-based formulas. A good fit for glow toners and revitalising serums. 

Calming & Barrier-Supportive 

Often included in formulas designed to comfort delicate, reactive, or stressed-looking skin. 

  • German Chamomile – Widely associated with soothing sensitive or redness-prone skin. A go-to for gentle everyday toners and creams. 
  • Calendula – Traditionally used to comfort dry, delicate or weather-stressed skin. Particularly suited to barrier-support creams. 
  • Gotu Kola – A favourite in barrier-focused skincare. Often included in barrier recovery serums aimed at supporting skin resilience. 
  • Frankincense – In glycerite form, you’re working with the gentler, water-soluble fractions. Typically used in calming formulas aimed at even-looking skin. 
  • Lavender – In glycerite form, this is less about scent and more about skin barrier support and natural balance in formulas. 

 Hydrating & Comfort-Focused 

These glycerites are excellent in products and serums aimed at hydration. 

  • Bulbine frutescens – Often compared to aloe for its hydrating, cushioning feel. Excellent in moisture-focused serums and after-sun blends. 
  • Cucumber – Cooling, refreshing and hydration-supportive. Perfect for lightweight toners, eye-area gels and after-sun formulas. 

Clarifying & Scalp-Focused 

Often included in combination-skin and haircare formulations. 

  • Witch Hazel – Offers a pore refining and toning effect. Useful in combination-skin and scalp blends. 
  • Stinging Nettle – Commonly used in balancing blends for both skin and scalp. A natural fit for clarifying toners and strengthening hair serums. 

Mineral-Rich & Revitalising Support

These extracts contribute trace minerals and humic compounds that are traditionally associated with strengthening and revitalising formulations.

  • Shilajit – A mineral-rich glycerite containing fulvic and humic acids along with trace minerals. In skin-and-hair-care it supports antioxidant activity, help improve the appearance of tired or dull-looking skin, and contribute to overall skin resilience.

Can Glycerites Be Used in Haircare? 

Absolutely. 

In scalp serums, leave-in conditioners and detanglers, glycerites: 

  • Contributes a hydrating feel 
  • Add light slip 
  • Support scalp comfort 
  • Integrate easily into your water phase 

Because they’re alcohol-free and water soluble, they’re especially useful in gentle scalp and hydration-focused formulations. 

A Short Note On Internal Use; Can You Drink Glycerites? 

Many glycerites sold for cosmetic formulation are produced for topical use only, and the manufacturing standards may differ from products intended for ingestion. For that reason, cosmetic-grade glycerites should not automatically be assumed safe to drink.  

In herbal medicine, glycerites are also used as an alcohol-free alternative to herbal tinctures, and many are intended for internal use. Vegetable glycerine is generally food-safe and widely used in foods and beverages, which is why glycerites are sometimes prepared as liquid herbal supplements. 

However, whether a glycerite can be consumed depends entirely on how it was made and what plant it contains. 

When Glycerites Are Used Internally 

When prepared specifically for herbal use, glycerites are sometimes taken in small diluted amounts as herbal extracts. They are particularly popular for: 

  •  people avoiding alcohol-based tinctures 
  •  children or individuals sensitive to alcohol 
  •  herbs that extract well into water and glycerine 

The specific effects depend entirely on the plant used, not the glycerite itself. 

 Typical Ways Herbal Glycerites Are Taken 

Herbal glycerites intended for ingestion are usually taken in very small amounts diluted in water, often measured by the dropper. 

Common approaches include: 

  • adding a few drops to water or tea 
  • mixing into juice 
  • placing diluted drops under the tongue 

Exact amounts vary widely depending on the herb and the extract strength, so guidance from a qualified herbalist is always recommended.

When To Choose A Glycerite For Cosmetics (And When Not To) 

 Choose a glycerite when you want: 

  •  Alcohol-free botanical inclusion 
  •  Water-phase compatibility 
  •  Gentle antioxidant, refining or soothing support 
  •  Skin Barrier supportive ingredients 
  •  Ease of use in DIY formulations 

Consider alternative extracts when you want: 

  • Strongly oil extracted compounds 
  • Essential oil extractions 
  • Highly concentrated, standardised actives 

Formulating With Glycerites 

Glycerites Solubility 

Glycerites are water-soluble and should be added to the water phase of your formulation. Because they are hydroglycerol extracts (typically high in glycerine), they integrate easily into: 

Keep in mind that glycerites contribute additional glycerine to your formula. If you’re already using glycerine separately, you may want to reduce it slightly to avoid tackiness. 

If you’re formulating with a gelling agent – or an ingredient that requires hydration first – it would be best to hydrate in pure glycerine first – as hydroglycerols can still cause small amounts of clumping. 

Glycerites Usage Rate 

Typical usage rates depend on the extract strength and desired effect, but generally: 

  • 1 – 3% for subtle botanical support 
  • 3 – 5% for functional inclusion in serums and creams 
  • Up to 10% in hydrating gels or botanical-focused formulas 
  • In a standard bath, 2 tablespoons add a slightly hydrating feel, while going up to 4 tablespoons adds a more powerful botanical component. Remember that adding very large amounts can make the bath slightly slippery, so staying within the tablespoon range is generally more pleasant. 
  • For foot soaks, 1-2 teaspoons would be sufficient 

Because most glycerites are around 80% glycerine, higher use amounts will noticeably increase humectancy and viscosity. 

Always account for total glycerine amount in your formula to avoid an overly sticky feeling. 

Are Glycerites Heat Sensitive? 

While glycerine itself is heat stable, glycerites contain delicate plant compounds. For best results, add them during the cool-down phase (below 40–45°C) to help preserve colour, scent and the power of the compounds. 

If you need to, small exposures to brief moments of emulsification temperatures are unlikely to cause huge amounts of degradation - but extended high-heat holds are best avoided. 

Ingredients That Combine Well With Glycerites 

Glycerites layer beautifully with: 

They’re especially useful when you want to add botanicals without introducing alcohol or making your product more unstable by adding teas. 

What Kind Of Products To Add Glycerites To 

Glycerites work beautifully in: 

They are particularly suited to: 

  • Sensitive-skin formulations 
  • Alcohol-free ranges 
  • Beginner-friendly and barrier-supportive DIY formulations 
  • Water-based formulas 

Recipe For Comfort And Barrier Support Body Cream

This cushiony body cream offers a generous slip with a slightly creamy body. It’s designed to comfort dry, tight-feeling skin, it layers humectants with nourishing butters and oils to soften, smooth and support the skin barrier from the first application – all with a beautiful, gentle jasmine scent.  

Ingredients: 

Method:  

  1. In a small beaker, thoroughly mix the guar gum with the vegetable glycerine until smooth and lump-free. Set aside. 
  2. Add the mango butter, moringa oil and Eco E wax to a heatproof container. Gently heat in a double boiler until fully melted and uniform (around 70–75 °C). 
  3. In a separate heatproof container, combine the distilled water and aloe vera liquid gel. Heat to the same temperature as the oils. 
  4. Once both mixtures are at equal temperature, slowly pour the water mixture into the melted oils while blending with a stick blender. Blend in short bursts until the mixture begins to thicken. 
  5. Add the guar–glycerine mixture and blend again until fully incorporated. 
  6. Continue stirring or blending intermittently as the cream cools. It will thicken further as the temperature drops. 
  7. When the mixture has cooled below 40–45 °C, add the chamomile glycerite and D-panthenol. Blend well. 
  8. Add the Geogard 221 and blend thoroughly to ensure even preservation. 
  9. Add the jasmine essential oil and mix until evenly distributed. 
  10. Sprinkle in the arrowroot powder and blend until smooth, ensuring there are no visible clumps. 
  11. Continue mixing until the cream is fully cooled. The final texture should be smooth, glossy and softly structured with good slip. 
  12. Check and adjust the pH if necessary (aim for approximately 5–5.5 as anything over 7 will have its efficacy compromised). 
  13. Transfer into a clean, sanitised container or pump dispenser and store in a cool place. 

Always patch test before full use. 

Morning Wake Up Face Gel-Serum Hybrid

This lightweight gel-serum hybrid glides effortlessly over the skin, absorbing quickly with a fresh, silky finish. Designed to revitalise tired, dull-looking skin, it layers humectants with antioxidant-rich botanicals and caffeine to hydrate, smooth and help reduce the appearance of puffiness from the first application - leaving the complexion feeling awake, refreshed and ready for the day. 

Ingredients 

Method: 

  1. In a small beaker, pre-disperse the hydroxyethyl cellulose into the vegetable glycerine. Mix until smooth and lump-free. 
  2. Add the lemongrass hydrosol (or distilled water) to your main container and begin gentle stirring. 
  3. Slowly add the hydroxyethyl cellulose mixture to the water while stirring continuously. 
  4. Sprinkle in the hyaluronic acid powder and continue stirring gently. 
  5. Dissolve the caffeine in a small amount of hot water, then add it to the mixture. 
  6. Add the glycerite of your choice, sodium lactate and panthenol. Stir well. 
  7. In a separate small beaker, mix the OliveM 300 and MCT oil together, then slowly stir this into the gel. 
  8. Add the Geogard 221 and mix thoroughly. 
  9. Continue stirring gently until uniform, then allow the gel to sit – mixing every few minutes. It will continue to thicken over the next few hours. 
  10. Once fully set, check the pH (aim for 5–5.5) and transfer into a clean container or pump dispenser.

Apply in the morning to clean skin, including the under-eye area (avoiding direct contact with eyes). Follow with your daily sunblock/sunscreen! 

Glycerites FAQ 

What is the difference between a glycerite and an alcohol extract? 

 A glycerite is made using vegetable glycerine (usually with a small amount of water) as the solvent, which extracts primarily water-soluble plant compounds like polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, sugars and mucilage – and is generally gentle on skin. 

An alcohol extract (ethanol-based) can extract a broader range of compounds, including more resinous and lipophilic constituents – but tends to be harsher and more drying on skin. 

In short, glycerites favour the hydrophilic side of plant chemistry, while alcohol extracts are better suited to compounds that don’t dissolve well in water. 

 Are glycerites as strong as actives? 

 No. Glycerites are broad botanical extracts, not isolated or standardised actives like niacinamide or caffeine powder. 

 Their composition depends on the plant material, extraction ratio and processing method. They’re best thought of as gentle botanical support ingredients rather than highly concentrated single-compound actives. 

Do glycerites need preservatives? 

 Most glycerites themselves are often preservative-free because the high glycerine content reduces water activity, which can slow microbial growth. 

 However, once a glycerite is incorporated into a finished water-based formulation, a complete preservative system is essential. The final product - not the raw glycerite - determines preservation requirements. 

 What percentage of glycerite should I use in a serum? 

 Typical usage rates are: 

  • 1–3% for subtle botanical support 
  • 3–5% for functional inclusion in serums and creams 
  • Up to 10% in botanical-focused or hydrating gel formulas 

 Always consider the total glycerine content of your formula to avoid excessive stickiness. 

 Are glycerites sticky? 

They can be. Most glycerites contain a high percentage of glycerine (often around 80%), which contributes humectancy and viscosity. 

At moderate levels, this enhances hydration and slip. At higher levels, it may increase tackiness. Balancing with lightweight emollients or adjusting added glycerine can help maintain a pleasant skin feel. 

 Can glycerites be heated? 

 Glycerine itself is heat stable, but glycerites contain delicate plant compounds. For best results, they’re usually added during the cool-down phase (below approximately 40–45 °C). 

 Brief exposure to emulsification temperatures is unlikely to cause significant degradation, but prolonged high heat is best avoided. 

Can glycerites be used in haircare? 

 Yes. Glycerites integrate easily into water-based haircare products like scalp serums, leave-in conditioners and detanglers. 

 They contribute humectancy, light slip and gentle botanical support, making them particularly useful in alcohol-free, hydration-focused scalp and hair formulations. 

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Aiden van Wyk

Aiden is an eccentric explorer of ideas, endlessly curious and always eager to share his discoveries. His mind is a maze of rabbit holes, each leading to new insights (and occasionally pure chaos). In all honesty - he's a little impulsive, he's easily distracted, delightfully scatterbrained, and unapologetically himself. But through every deep dive and misstep, his mission remains the same:

To make the world a teeny tiny little better, one lesson at a time :)


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