Beyond the Glow: Why We Use Glycerin to Unlock Botanical Magic

When you look at the back of your favorite skincare bottle, you might see "glycerin" and think, “Oh, that’s just for moisture.” And you’re right—it is a fantastic humectant that pulls hydration into your skin! But at Lyon Care, we use glycerin for something much more transformative: it’s our secret tool for capturing the living energy of plants.

The Art of the Glycerite: Preserving What Heat Destroys

You might wonder why some ingredients are steeped in hot water while others, like our beautiful Moringa, are added separately as a glycerite. It comes down to botanical integrity.

Think of hot water extraction like making a cup of tea; it’s perfect for hardy plants like Chamomile, which release their goodness when gently heated. However, many delicate, nutrient-dense plants—like Moringa—are "heat-sensitive." If we exposed them to the high heat used to make the base of our lotion, we would essentially "cook" away the very vitamins and soothing properties we want to offer your skin.

Instead, we create a Glycerite. By steeping these delicate botanicals in vegetable glycerin at room temperature, we gently pull out their beneficial compounds over time without destroying them. When we add this "Moringa essence" during the final cool-down phase of our lotion, we ensure that you are getting the full, potent benefits of the plant, preserved exactly as nature intended.

More Than Just Water: The Truth About Natural Preservatives

Some customers worry that seeing water in a formula means it’s "less pure" or requires harsh preservatives. I love this question because it gives me a chance to share why we choose ingredients like Leucidal Liquid.

A natural preservative isn’t just a "shield" against spoilage; it’s a functional part of the formula. Leucidal Liquid, for example, is derived from fermented radishes and includes probiotics. These aren't just there to keep the lotion fresh; they actively support your skin’s microbiome, helping to maintain a healthy, balanced barrier. It’s beauty that works with your skin, not just on top of it.

The Power of Oil Extractions

While glycerites are wonderful for the water-loving parts of our skin, some plant benefits are "oil-soluble"—meaning they only release their best qualities into lipids. For those, we use oil extractions. By gently warming carrier oils with dried botanicals, we create an infusion that acts as a concentrated "vitamin boost." Whether it’s an oil infusion for nourishment or a glycerite for hydration, every choice is made to ensure your skin receives a complete, botanical-rich experience.

Quick Reference: Our Botanical Approach

• Heated Water Extraction: Perfect for hardy botanicals like Chamomile.

• Cold Glycerite Extraction: Our preferred method for delicate botanicals like Moringa to protect their sensitive nutrients.

• Oil Extraction: Used to pull out fat-soluble vitamins and fatty acids from plants, supercharging the nourishment of our lotions.

We believe in choosing methods that honor the plant. It takes a little extra time and patience, but we know your skin can tell the difference!