Key takeaways:
- Glycerin is a popular and common hydrating skincare ingredient that’s safe to use on a variety of skin types, including sensitive skin.
- As an ingredient in skincare products, glycerin provides many benefits, including moisturization, moisture retention, and skin barrier support.
- Glycerin is most effective when used with other types of moisturizing ingredients; it should not be used by itself on the skin.
When you check the list of ingredients in your skincare products, you’ll see one name over and over again: glycerin (glycerol/glycerine). Glycerin may not have the same cultural cache as hyaluronic acid or ceramides, but this widely used moisturizing agent is an essential component in many of today’s skincare products.
At Gladskin, we love glycerin for its simplicity, its reliability, and its ability to pair well with others. Let's take a closer look at this humble, hard-working ingredient.
What is glycerin and what does it do for your skin?
Glycerin is a humectant, meaning that it attracts moisture. More specifically, glycerin has a unique molecular structure composed of three hydrophilic (water-attracting) hydroxyl groups configured in such a way that they attract moisture from the environment. Because glycerin’s molecular weight is relatively low, it will then draw that moisture deep into the layers of your skin, making it easier for your skin to maintain moisture as well.
These properties are what makes glycerin such a valuable asset in skincare formulations, especially for individuals with dry skin prone to irritation. Most skincare companies, including Gladskin, use vegetable-derived glycerin.
In skincare, glycerin doesn’t and shouldn’t operate alone
You can technically buy glycerin — it’s an odorless, syrupy liquid — but DIY-ers beware, we wouldn’t recommend slathering undiluted glycerin on your skin. The application of a high concentration of glycerin runs the risk of drawing moisture from inside your skin, creating the exact conditions for dryness you were trying to eradicate in the first place.
Without getting into the chemistry-degree specifics, glycerin works best when it's formulated with other ingredients, including occlusives and emollients. Occlusives help you retain moisture by creating a barrier over your skin, reducing transepidermal water loss. Emollients give your skin a softer, smoother feel and appearance.
Some skincare ingredients fit into multiple categories. For example, while glycerin is primarily a humectant, it is also semi-occlusive and has some emollient properties. Again, that doesn’t mean it should be used by itself. Glycerin alone does not a moisturizer make, but when paired with other ingredients in a thoughtful formulation it can provide effective moisturization to the skin.
The benefits of glycerin for sensitive skin
1. Glycerin is extremely effective at moisturizing
If you have sensitive skin, you want moisturizing and hydrating ingredients that won’t rock the boat and disrupt your skin’s microbiome. Glycerin’s ability to attract water molecules and lock moisture without causing irritation make it a best-in-class ingredient.
2. Glycerin supports a healthy skin barrier
By keeping your skin moisturized, glycerin works to strengthen and support your skin’s function as a natural barrier. A healthy skin barrier helps keep harsh chemicals, pollutants, and other irritants from creating dryness and itchiness when they penetrate the skin.
3. Glycerin is non-comedogenic
Non-comedogenic means that an ingredient won’t block your skin’s pores or contribute to breakouts. Since glycerin isn’t a heavy, oily ingredient, it is classified as being non-comedogenic. Just make sure you don’t stop reading the ingredient list before you buy a product with glycerin in it, as other ingredients might cancel out glycerin’s non-comedogenic properties.
Incorporate glycerin-containing products into your skincare routine
Glycerin has maintained its status as a skincare staple because it’s generally safe for all skin types, plays well with other ingredients, and is very good at hydrating skin. Choosing the right glycerin-infused products and incorporating them into your daily routine can help your skin feel moisturized and comfortable.
Introducing a new product to your skincare routine isn’t always easy. That's why we’ve created a guide for how to add new skincare products to your current regimen with minimum hassle. You can also start by:
-
Trying Gladskin’s Biome Balancing Cream
This rich, all-over moisturizer soothes dry, itchy-feeling skin, and features glycerin as one of its main ingredients. It's clinically proven to relieve redness and irritation from eczema-prone skin, and it’s safe for ages 3 months and up.
-
Building a full routine with Gladskin’s Face Care Basics Set
Gladskin Milky Cleanser, Gentle Facial Scrub, and Moisturizing Gel Cream all contain glycerin in their minimal formulations. Together, these essentials work in harmony to support a calm, balanced complexion, without irritation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Glycerin
Is glycerin good for sensitive skin?
Yes. Glycerin is generally well tolerated by sensitive skin and is widely used in skincare products to help attract and retain moisture. It works especially well when combined with other moisturizing ingredients in a balanced formulation.
Is glycerin good for dry skin?
Yes. As a humectant, glycerin attracts water and helps the skin retain moisture, making it a useful ingredient for dry or dehydrated skin.
Does glycerin help support the skin barrier?
Glycerin can help support the skin barrier by keeping the skin hydrated. Maintaining adequate moisture helps the skin barrier function properly and protect against environmental irritants.
Does glycerin clog pores?
Glycerin is considered non-comedogenic, meaning it does not typically clog pores. However, the complete formulation of a skincare product matters, so it’s important to consider the other ingredients as well.
Can you put pure glycerin directly on your skin?
It’s better to use glycerin as part of a properly formulated skincare product rather than applying undiluted glycerin directly to your skin. Glycerin works best alongside ingredients such as emollients and occlusives that help moisturize and protect the skin.
Can you use glycerin every day?
Yes. Glycerin is commonly found in cleansers, moisturizers, and other products designed for daily use. How often you use a particular product should depend on its complete formulation and your skin’s needs.
