What is Glycerin?

Glycerin is a clear, odorless liquid that is commonly used in skincare products for its moisturizing properties. It is a humectant, meaning it attracts moisture from the environment and helps retain it in the skin, promoting hydration. Glycerin is often found in moisturizers, cleansers, serums, and other skincare formulations, where it helps to soften and smooth the skin, improve its texture, and enhance overall hydration.

How does this ingredient work in skincare?

When applied to the skin, glycerin forms a thin, breathable layer on the skin's surface, attracting moisture from the air and binding it to the skin. This process helps to increase the water content of the outermost layer of the skin, known as the stratum corneum, resulting in improved hydration levels. 

Glycerin enhances the skin's natural barrier function by preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which occurs when water evaporates from the skin's surface. By maintaining optimal hydration levels and strengthening the skin's barrier, glycerin helps to keep the skin soft, smooth, and supple, while also protecting it from environmental stressors and promoting overall skin health. 

How does this ingredient compare to others?

When compared to other moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides, glycerin offers distinct advantages. While hyaluronic acid is also a potent humectant, glycerin has a smaller molecular size, allowing it to penetrate the skin more deeply and provide longer-lasting hydration. 

Glycerin, a common ingredient in cleansers, is a highly effective humectant that draws moisture into the skin, helping to keep it hydrated even after washing. This makes glycerin a superior choice for those seeking to retain moisture and maintain smooth, supple skin after cleansing.

Potential benefits of this ingredient for the skin

Glycerin offers several potential benefits for the skin:

• Hydration: As a humectant, glycerin attracts moisture from the environment and binds it to the skin, effectively hydrating and improving the skin's moisture levels.
• Softening and Smoothing: Glycerin helps to soften and smooth the skin's texture, reducing dryness, roughness, and flakiness, and leaving the skin feeling supple and velvety.
• Barrier Protection: By maintaining optimal hydration levels, glycerin strengthens the skin's natural barrier function, helping to prevent transepidermal water loss and protect the skin from environmental stressors.
• Compatibility: Glycerin is non-comedogenic and non-irritating, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive or acne-prone skin.
• Versatility: Glycerin is a versatile ingredient commonly used in various skincare formulations, including moisturizers, cleansers, serums, and masks, providing comprehensive benefits for overall skin health and appearance.

Products we use this ingredient in

Higher Capacity Cleansing Fluid

References

• Becker, Lillian C et al. “Safety Assessment of Glycerin as Used in Cosmetics.” International journal of toxicology vol. 38,3_suppl (2019): 6S-22S. doi:10.1177/1091581819883820
• Lodén, M, and W Wessman. “The influence of a cream containing 20% glycerin and its vehicle on skin barrier properties.” International journal of cosmetic science vol. 23,2 (2001): 115-9. doi:10.1046/j.1467-2494.2001.00060.x