Skin Care Ingredient Focus: Glycerin

Glycerin is a powerhouse ingredient in the world of skincare, known for its incredible ability to hydrate and protect the skin. This naturally derived compound acts as a humectant, drawing moisture from the environment into the skin, making it an essential addition to any skincare routine—especially for those dealing with dryness or irritation.

Whether you are looking to enhance your skin’s natural glow or create a barrier against environmental stressors, glycerin offers a wide range of benefits that can transform your complexion, leaving it soft, smooth, and healthy-looking.

What is Glycerin?

Glycerin, also known as glycerol, is a clear, odorless, and viscous liquid that is derived from both natural and synthetic sources. It is a type of humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the air into the skin, which makes it highly effective for hydration. It is found naturally in animal fats and vegetable oils, but in the skincare industry, plant-based glycerin is often preferred.

This compound has been used for centuries for its moisture-retaining properties, and today it is a common ingredient in lotions, creams, serums, and soaps due to its ability to hydrate and protect the skin barrier.

What Can Glycerin Be Used For in Skincare?

Glycerin is a powerhouse ingredient when it comes to addressing various skin concerns. Its primary benefit is hydration, but it also provides other skin-loving perks:

1. Deep hydration: Glycerin helps maintain the skin’s moisture balance by attracting water from both the environment and deeper layers of the skin, which keeps it supple and plump.
2. Skin barrier repair: By maintaining proper hydration, glycerin supports the skin’s natural barrier function. This is crucial in preventing trans epidermal water loss (TEWL), which can lead to dryness, irritation, and increased sensitivity.
3. Anti-aging: Well-hydrated skin is less prone to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Glycerin helps to smooth the skin’s surface, improving texture and creating a more youthful glow.
4. Wound healing: Studies suggest that glycerin can aid in faster skin repair and healing by keeping the affected area moisturized, which is essential for healing processes like tissue regeneration.
5. Soothing sensitive skin: Glycerin’s gentle, non-irritating nature makes it suitable for people with sensitive or compromised skin, such as those with eczema or psoriasis. It helps to calm and soothe the skin, reducing redness and inflammation.

How Does Glycerin Work?

Glycerin works by drawing moisture from the surrounding environment as well as from the deeper layers of the skin (dermis) into the outermost layer (epidermis). It is a humectant, meaning its primary function is to attract and hold water molecules. This mechanism helps prevent dryness and dehydration, which can cause various skin issues such as flakiness, tightness, and dullness.

When applied topically, glycerin penetrates the skin’s surface and strengthens its moisture barrier. As it draws water into the skin, it also reduces water loss by trapping it within the outer layer, resulting in a plumper and more hydrated complexion.

How to Use Glycerin

Glycerin can be found in a wide variety of skincare products, and its versatile nature means it can easily be incorporated into your routine.

Types of products glycerin is found in:

• Moisturizers: Glycerin is a key ingredient in many creams and lotions. It enhances their hydrating properties and works well alongside other emollients and occlusives.
• Serums: Glycerin-based serums deliver a high concentration of hydration and work to smooth and soften the skin.
• Cleansers: In face washes and cleansers, glycerin helps to maintain moisture while removing dirt and impurities.
• Toners: It can be found in hydrating toners that aim to add moisture right after cleansing.
• Sheet masks: Glycerin is often used in sheet masks for its ability to lock in hydration and improve the skin’s overall appearance.

To use glycerin, look for it in products like moisturizers or serums and apply it after cleansing and toning. For those who prefer a DIY approach, glycerin can be mixed with other hydrating ingredients like aloe vera for a homemade hydrating serum.

Should Other Products Be Avoided While Using Glycerin?

Glycerin is generally a very mild and non-reactive ingredient, making it compatible with most other skincare products. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Exfoliants: If you are using products that contain strong exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), be cautious with high concentrations of glycerin. Since glycerin can hold onto moisture, over-exfoliating alongside it might strip too much water from the skin, leading to irritation.
• Occlusives: When using heavier occlusive products like petroleum jelly or thick oils, apply glycerin-containing products first. Glycerin needs access to moisture to work effectively, and occlusives seal the skin, so applying glycerin on top of them would reduce its effectiveness.

Is Glycerin Safe for All Skin Types?

One of glycerin’s most appealing qualities is its universal compatibility with all skin types. Whether you have oily, dry, combination, or sensitive skin, glycerin is generally safe and beneficial. Here’s why it works for different skin types:

• Oily skin: Glycerin hydrates without clogging pores or feeling greasy, making it suitable for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
• Dry skin: It helps to draw water into the skin, providing much-needed hydration for dry or dehydrated complexions.
• Sensitive skin: Since glycerin is non-irritating and gentle, it is ideal for people with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema.

Are There Risks or Side Effects?

Glycerin is widely considered safe and has been approved by the FDA for use in personal care products. As with any skin care ingredient, however, minor unwanted side effects can occur if it is used incorrectly:

• Irritation: Although rare, some people might experience irritation or allergic reactions. This is more likely to happen if the glycerin is used in high concentrations or on compromised skin.
• Dehydration: In environments with very low humidity, glycerin may start pulling water from the deeper layers of your skin rather than from the environment, leading to dehydration. To avoid this, ensure you are layering your glycerin products with a good moisturizer.

Always do a patch test before trying new glycerin products to ensure your skin reacts well.

Alternative Ingredients to Glycerin

If glycerin does not work for your skin or you are looking for alternatives, there are other humectants that provide similar benefits:

1. Hyaluronic acid: Known for its ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, hyaluronic acid is another hydrating powerhouse.
2. Urea: This ingredient is both a humectant and a mild exfoliant, making it excellent for hydrating and smoothing the skin.
3. Sodium PCA: Naturally found in the skin, sodium PCA is a potent hydrator that works similarly to glycerin.
4. Aloe vera: Aloe offers a mix of hydration and soothing benefits, making it perfect for those with sensitive skin.

Glycerin is an excellent skincare ingredient with proven benefits for hydration, skin barrier protection, and overall skin health. It works well for all skin types and can be incorporated into various skincare routines without much risk. However, as with any ingredient, understanding how it works and how to best use it is key to maximizing its potential for beautiful, healthy skin.

Dr. Kate Edwards is a Board Certified Dermatologist specializing in general adult and pediatric dermatology as well as surgical dermatology, including skin cancer treatment, cyst removals, and more. She also has a special interest in cosmetic dermatology including Botox, dermal fillers, chemical peels, microneedling and lasers. She believes in a tailored and balanced approach to each patient’s treatment plan, considering skin type, age, ethnicity, and one’s personal goals and beauty standards.