Have you ever heard of glycerin? You have probably seen this ingredient listed on various beauty product packages, especially soaps. But what exactly makes glycerin so special for the skin? Keep reading to discover how this ingredient can be the key to radiant, lively skin.
Glycerin, also known as glycerol, is a viscous, colourless, and odourless liquid you find in many skincare products. It's a sugar alcohol (polyol) derived from vegetable sources (such as soybean, palm, or coconut oil), animal sources (animal fats), or produced synthetically, and it has highly moisturising properties when used in cosmetics.
The best part is that glycerin works well with all skin types, from the most sensitive to oily skin. It helps attract and retain moisture in the outer layers of the skin, supporting a healthier skin barrier and leaving your skin feeling soft, smooth, and comfortable.
With South Africa's diverse climate conditions, from the dry Karoo to humid coastal regions like Durban and Cape Town, maintaining proper skin hydration is crucial. Hot summers, air conditioning, and cold, dry winters can all strip moisture from the skin, leading to tightness, flaking, and discomfort.
Glycerin soap provides essential moisture retention that helps combat the harsh effects of both dry inland conditions and salty coastal air, making it the ideal choice for South African skin care needs. When combined with antibacterial ingredients, glycerin soap can help keep your skin clean and protected while still supporting hydration – perfect for everyday use on hands, face, and body.
Different skin types have different needs. Glycerin-enriched Protex soaps can help you target specific concerns while still enjoying antibacterial protection and moisture balance.
For more tips on dry skin hydration and how to keep skin moisturised, read: Everything You Need to Know About Skin Moisturization .
If you have oily or combination skin, learn more about oily skin care and how to hydrate without clogging pores: Oily Skin Hydration: 5 Care Tips .
For sensitive skin solutions and how to avoid irritation from harsh products, visit: When Cosmetics Are Dangerous .
A good tip deserves to be shared. Look below at how this amazing ingredient can transform your skincare routine.
Glycerin is a hygroscopic substance, meaning it can attract and retain moisture from the environment. This keeps the skin healthy, hydrated, and soft, preventing dryness and flaking, especially in more sensitive areas like elbows and knees.
Glycerin soap cleans skin gently and effectively without removing the skin's natural oils. It removes impurities, excess oil, and everyday residue without causing irritation, making it ideal for sensitive skin care and daily cleansing for the whole family.
Besides not removing too much oil, glycerin also helps support balanced sebum production, controlling oiliness without leaving skin dry or tight. This means that those with oily or combination skin can use it without fear, as it helps prevent acne while leaving the skin looking more even and comfortable.
When used in soap, glycerin can also support protection against bacteria and other external agents that could harm your skin. Glycerin soap acts in the following ways:
Those with very dry, sensitive, or oily skin know how hard it is to find a product that is gentle and effective. Glycerin soap is great because it works well with all of them:
Another advantage of this product is that it can easily fit into your routine. Whether in a morning shower for energy, at night to relax, or throughout the day to wash your hands, here's how to use it:
To make the most of the benefits, choose soaps with glycerin listed as an ingredient and prefer gentle, dermatologically tested formulas. If in doubt, consult a dermatologist for more personalised guidance.
Now that you know all the benefits of glycerin for your skin, how about putting them into practice with these amazing Protex options.
This antibacterial soap is perfect for an intense clean, especially for those with oily or acne-prone skin. With seaweed extract and glycerin, it helps remove oil and impurities from the pores, providing a lasting fresh and clean sensation.
Product link: https://www.protex.co.za/products/protex-deep-cleaning-bar
Experience deep cleansing power with this anti-germ bar soap, specially formulated with charcoal, micro beads, and glycerin. Protex Deep Clean Charcoal helps remove impurities from the pores that cause blackheads and pimples, offering strength from within for a clearer, fresher complexion every day.
Product link: https://www.protex.co.za/products/protex-deep-clean-charcoal
Reveal cleaner, healthier skin with Protex Deep Clean Tissue Oil Anti-Germ Bar Soap. Formulated with exfoliating beads and glycerin, this bar offers strength from within by helping to remove dirt and oil that can cause pimples and blackheads. Enjoy smooth, even skin and long-lasting protection for a healthy look and feel every day.
Product link: https://www.protex.co.za/products/protex-deep-clean-tissue-oil
Stay protected and refreshed all day with Protex Fresh Anti-Germ Bar Soap. Its unique formula, enriched with flaxseed oil and glycerin, absorbs into your skin to help boost natural defences, providing 24-hour germ protection and long-lasting freshness.
Product link: https://www.protex.co.za/products/protex-fresh-soap
Perfect for dry or sensitive skin, Protex Aloe combines the moisturising benefits of glycerin with Aloe Vera extract, known for its hydrating and soothing properties, providing long-lasting hydration and gentle antibacterial protection.
Product link: https://www.protex.co.za/products/protex-aloe
Protex glycerin soap is readily available at major South African retailers including Pick n Pay, Checkers, Shoprite, Clicks, Dis-Chem, and Woolworths. You can also find the complete range at independent pharmacies and online retailers across the country.
Use our store locator to find your nearest stockist and explore the full range of Protex antibacterial glycerin soaps: Find your nearest Protex stockist .
Discover the entire Protex line and explore affordable glycerin soap options: View all Protex products .
Prices may vary by retailer and region, but the ranges below give a general idea of how budget-friendly these glycerin soaps are. Always check current prices at your preferred store.
| Product | Price Range (ZAR) | Best For | Key Glycerin Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protex Deep Clean | R18–R25 | Oily / acne-prone skin | Deep hydration plus pore cleansing for clearer-looking skin |
| Protex Deep Clean Charcoal | R20–R28 | Blackheads | Moisture retention plus purification with charcoal and glycerin |
| Protex Deep Clean Tissue Oil | R22–R30 | Dry / mature skin | Intensive hydration plus smoother-looking skin |
| Protex Fresh | R16–R24 | Daily use | Balanced moisture plus antibacterial protection |
| Protex Aloe | R15–R22 | Sensitive / dry skin | Soothing hydration plus gentle cleansing |
Protex is renowned for its antibacterial formulas that eliminate up to 99.9% of bacteria while helping to maintain the skin's natural moisture balance through glycerin. Additionally, Protex soaps are dermatologically tested, ensuring a gentle and suitable clean for everyday use.
With glycerin-enriched formulations for different skin types and needs, Protex offers reliable solutions for the whole family, promoting hygiene and well-being so you and your loved ones can live life to the fullest with protected, hydrated skin.
Many options also come with additional benefits, such as the hydrating action of essential oils and natural extracts, antibacterial protection, and glycerin-based formulas developed for different skin types. Discover the entire Protex line and explore affordable glycerin soap options that offer protection, hydration, and care for your whole family.
Glycerin soap is more hydrating, helping to retain skin moisture, while neutral soap has a balanced pH and is typically more suitable for very sensitive or reactive skin. Both are generally gentle, but glycerin soap focuses more on hydration and moisture retention.
Yes, as long as it is specifically formulated for the face or for facial and body use. It cleans without being harsh, leaving the skin hydrated and protected against dryness. If you have very sensitive or acne-prone skin, consult a dermatologist before changing products.
Yes, but it's good to observe how the skin reacts. Although glycerin is moisturising and helps support the skin's natural oil balance, some people with oily skin prefer soaps with stronger action against excessive oiliness. Look for glycerin soaps designed for oily or acne-prone skin, such as Protex Deep Clean or Protex Deep Clean Charcoal.
Yes, Protex soaps containing glycerin are excellent for dry skin as they help retain moisture while providing antibacterial protection. The Aloe and Tissue Oil variants are particularly beneficial for dry skin conditions.
Protex Gentle and Protex Plus Moisture Lock variants are specifically formulated for sensitive skin, combining glycerin's moisturising properties with hypoallergenic ingredients and lower-level allergen fragrances for a gentle yet effective cleanse.
Protex glycerin soaps are available at major retailers including Pick n Pay, Checkers, Clicks, Dis-Chem, and Woolworths, as well as independent pharmacies and online stores nationwide. You can also use the Protex store locator to find your nearest stockist.
Protex glycerin soaps typically range from around R15 to R30 per bar, offering excellent value for money compared to some imported glycerin soap brands that can cost R40–R60 per bar. Prices may vary by retailer and region.
Daily use of glycerin soap helps maintain skin hydration, provides antibacterial protection in antibacterial formulas, balances natural oil production, and creates a protective barrier against environmental pollutants – all while being gentle enough for everyday use.
Shop Protex Glycerin Soaps Now
The above article is provided for informational purposes only. Colgate does not accept any liability should the above recommendations have a contrary result to the intended result. Always seek the advice of a qualified doctor or dermatologist. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read in this article.
The above article is provided for informational purposes only. Colgate does not accept any liability should the below recommendations have a contrary result to the intended result. Always seek the advice of a qualified doctor or dermatologist. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read in this article.
Protex® with Duo Oil helps strengthen your skin's natural ability to protect against germs while maintaining skin's natural moisture. For the good health of your skin.
Protex® Deep Clean Charcoal with microbeads removes impurities while boosting your family's natural defences 10x More.
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