Vegetable glycerin is derived from plant fats and contains many helpful benefits for dogs’ skin and coat. Here’s all you need to know about vegetable glycerin uses for dogs and how you can use it to help relieve your dog’s irritated skin.
Did you know that human shampoo is not safe to use on your precious pup’s coat? I’ll admit it…I just recently found that out!
Why? Because shampoo for humans is too harsh for dogs. You may not believe it, but underneath all that fur, dogs have very thin skin. In fact, our skin is 3 times thicker than theirs, much more acidic, and we have sweat glands throughout the skin.
On the other hand, dogs only have sweat glands on their paws. Plus, their skin is more basic, sensitive, and thin. As a result, we need to use very gentle ingredients when bathing our fur babies.
NOTE: In addition to using gentle ingredients, don’t bath your dog more than once a month or so, because doing so could cause him to suffer from dry skin.
What Is Vegetable Glycerin?
Glycerin is a sugar-based alcohol compound that is a clear, odorless and sweet-tasting liquid that will come as a by-product of the soap-making process. Vegetable glycerin comes from the oils of plants, such as palm, coconut or soy, while animal glycerin comes from animal fats.
Although animal glycerin has similar benefits to its vegan counterpart, it isn’t used as often as vegetable glycerin because it doesn’t store as well and can go rancid.
Vegetable glycerin, which is much more commonly used, is often added to shampoos and provides health benefits, such as moisturized and resilient skin and improved hydration.
Vegetable Glycerin Uses
Do you ever wonder what vegetable glycerin is typically used for? It has several uses, but most commonly it’s job is to keep things moist, to thicken things and to keep mixtures from separating.
While it is known for being safe, gentle, and eco-friendly, the popularity of vegetable glycerin really comes from its humectant property, which draws moisture to the skin and leaves it feeling hydrated.
This moisture-retaining quality allows other beneficial products to penetrate more easily into the skin while it’s gentle but powerful cleaning properties do not strip the skin or hair of their natural oils.
Here are a few other beneficial ways to use vegetable glycerin for the skin:
- Cleanses, calms and helps scars and abrasions heal
- Soothes the burning and itchiness of minor scalds
- Reduces inflammation and improves circulation while softening rough, dry skin
- Soothes discomfort from insect bites, rashes, hives, and other skin irritations
Benefits of Vegetable Glycerin
Vegetable glycerin is often used in shampoos and soaps for its numerous health benefits.
Vegetable glycerin:
- Is a powerful but gentle cleanser that won’t strip the skin and hair of its natural oils
- can soften and soothe the skin
- is very mild and excellent to use on sensitive skin
- can attract moisture to your dog’s skin and keep it locked in!
All-natural, plant-based, unscented glycerin bars, or ones scented with dog-safe botanical oils, are safest for your pet. Like castile soap, pure glycerin soaps are low-sudsing and don’t strip the natural oils from your pet’s coat which helps keep their skin from drying out and becoming irritated.
Vegetable Glycerine can be used as a soothing salve for skin conditions, such as cuts, burns, itching, irritation, hives, rashes, sores, eczema, psoriasis, and other ailments.
Vegetable glycerin’s benefits as a moisturizer, for reducing skin irritation, protecting against infection and boosting wound healing, makes it an excellent ingredient in dog shampoos!
Finally, vegetable glycerin is odorless, so it won’t bother your dog’s sensitive nose!
Potential Side Effects
Vegetable glycerin is generally considered safe.
That said, it can be possible to experience an allergic reaction if vegetable glycerin is applied directly to the skin — so it’s best to start with a small amount to see how your dog’s skin reacts.
Vegetable Glycerin For Hair
Vegetable glycerin will often be added to products because it will soften and condition hair and skin. It is odorless, thick, clear, and regarded as non-toxic. It is also water-soluble, so it’s easy to add to shampoo and conditioner and will rinse out.
Vegetable glycerin is a humectant. This means that it draws moisture from the environment around to itself. So when you use a shampoo with glycerine, your hair will retain moisture. Neat, huh?
Is Glycerin Safe For Dog Shampoo?
Glycerin soap is a natural powerful cleanser, making it a common ingredient in dog soaps and shampoos.
It doesn’t lather as well as other soaps do, and because it is water-soluble, it doesn’t typically last as long as other soaps do.
Glycerin soap adds moisture to your dog’s fur and helps protect it from the elements making it a great conditioner. If your pooch has irritated or sensitive skin, glycerin’s soothing qualities make it a must-have ingredient for any dog shampoo.
NOTE: Avoid contact with any sensitive parts, such as your dog’s eyes to avoid causing irritation.
All of our calming MuttScrub products use vegetable glycerin to treat skin infections while moisturizing and soothing your dog’s skin. We have developed the perfect blend of ingredients, including vegetable glycerin and essential oils to calm irritated skin, reduce stress, and naturally repel fleas and ticks for your dog!
Using Glycerin Soap For Dogs: MuttScrub Products Provide The Perfect Calming Blend
Each product that MuttScrub offers uses vegetable glycerin to help provide soothing and calming benefits. The blend of gentle cleansers and oils in each product provides the best nourishing and aromatherapy support for your dog.
Treat your dog’s skin with pure ingredients that support overall well-being and aid the healing process. MuttScrub products are made of all-natural substances to give your dog instant relief from ailments and anxiety.
All three of our products work best when used together in the Pawsitively Soothing Itch Relief Kit For Dogs. We have several great reviews of the product over on our Facebook page…check them out!
Tell us in the comments: how often do you bathe your dog?
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More From MuttScrub:
How Citronella Oil Prevents Mosquito Bites On Dogs
Almond Oil Benefits: How to Naturally Soothe Dog Skin Irritations
Coconut Oil For Dogs: The Amazing Benefits
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