What Is Glycerin and Why Is It in Your Haircare?

Glycerin is one of those ingredients that pops up in nearly every natural or clean shampoo or conditioner, but why? If you’ve ever spotted it on a BodFood label and wondered what it does (or where it comes from), let’s demystify it.

Glycerin is a clear, odourless, plant-derived liquid that acts as a humectant, which means it draws moisture from the air into your hair. And when your hair is properly hydrated, you’ll notice less frizz, better elasticity, and a smoother texture overall.

At BodFood, we use glycerin sourced from natural plant oils. It’s a gentle yet powerful ingredient that supports hair health without adding weight or residue. It’s especially helpful in Australian climates where hair can quickly dry out due to sun, salt, and wind exposure.

Another reason we love it? It plays well with other ingredients in our formulations. In our shampoos and conditioners, glycerin helps deliver hydration evenly throughout your hair, whether it’s fine and flyaway or thick and textured.

So if your strands feel dry, brittle or hard to style, glycerin might just be your secret hydration hero.