Glycolic and Glycerin Botanical Extracts for Cosmetic Formulas

Glycolic extracts are liquid plant extracts carried in glycerin, propanediol and water rather than alcohol or oil. They pour straight into the water phase, need no dissolving or milling, and let you put a recognizable botanical on the label from the very first test batch. This subcategory of our botanical extracts range covers twenty of the most requested plants in professional and indie formulation.

Why formulators use glycerin extracts

A glycerite is the most forgiving way to work with botanicals. The carrier adds humectant glycerin, the liquid weighs out accurately on any scale, and alcohol-free bases suit toners, baby care and sensitive-skin lines. Most reference specifications sit between 1 and 10% of the finished formula, and many extracts tolerate warm processing, so they slot into existing recipes with minimal changes.

The glycolic extract range

Soothing and sensitive skin

Aloe Vera Glycerin Extract, Calendula Flower Glycerin Extract, Chamomile Flower Glycerin Extract, Oat Glycerin Extract and Mugwort Glycerin Extract are the classic calming botanicals. For a K-beauty cica range, use our Centella Asiatica Glycerin Extract across toners, mists and gel creams, and our premium Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract in Glycerin for a hero serum.

Antioxidant, glow and brightening

Green Tea Glycerin Extract, Pomegranate Glycerin Extract, Licorice Root Glycerin Extract, Hibiscus Flower Glycerin Extract, Turmeric Root Glycerin Extract, Rice Glycerin Extract and Sea Buckthorn Glycerin Extract support radiance and daily-defense concepts.

Clarifying, scalp and hair

Witch Hazel Glycerin Extract (Alcohol-Free), Willow Bark Glycerin Extract, Rosemary Leaf Glycerin Extract, Nettle Leaf Glycerin Extract, Ginseng Root Glycerin Extract, Amla Fruit Glycolic Extract and Cucumber Fruit Glycerin Extract cover toners, scalp tonics and eye gels.

Packaging and sizes

Every extract ships in an amber dropper bottle with the BeautyLabPro label, in 1 oz, 4 oz and 16 oz. For concentrated dry formats, see our botanical extract powders; for production volumes, visit wholesale.

FAQ

What is a glycolic extract?

A glycolic extract is a plant extract carried in glycerin, propanediol or a glycol and water instead of alcohol or oil. It is a liquid that blends straight into the water phase of cosmetic formulas.

What is the difference between a glycerin extract and a glycolic extract?

A glycerin extract (glycerite) uses glycerin and water as the carrier; glycolic extracts may also use propanediol. Both are water-soluble and alcohol-free. Our Amla extract, for example, uses propanediol and glycerin.

How much glycolic extract should I use?

Most reference specifications fall between 1 and 10% of the finished formula. Each product page lists the recommended level for that botanical.

Do glycolic extracts need a preservative?

Any finished product that contains water needs a broad-spectrum preservative system. Check the Certificate of Analysis for the preservation of the extract itself.

Which sizes are available?

Most glycolic extracts come in 1 oz, 4 oz and 16 oz amber dropper bottles with the BeautyLabPro label. The premium Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract in Glycerin is sold in its own sizes, listed on its product page.

Liquid or powder extract: which should I choose?

Choose a liquid for quick, mild dosing in toners, gels and lotions. Choose an extract powder for concentrated masks, water-free products or standardized actives.