Key Features:
- Glycerin is a popular and widely used moisturizing skincare ingredient that is safe to use on various skin types, including sensitive skin.
- As an ingredient in skin care products, glycerin offers many benefits, including hydration, moisture retention, and skin barrier support.
- Glycerin is most effective when used with other moisturizing ingredients; it should not be applied neat to the skin.
When you check the ingredients lists of your skincare products, you'll see one name repeatedly: glycerin (glycerol). While glycerin may not have the same status as hyaluronic acid or ceramides, this commonly used moisturizer is an essential component of many contemporary skincare products.
At Gladskin, we love glycerin for its simplicity, reliability, and ability to combine well with other ingredients, ensuring long-lasting hydration. Let's take a closer look at this humble yet hardworking ingredient.
What is glycerin and what does it do for your skin?
Glycerin is a humectant, meaning it attracts moisture. More specifically, glycerin has a A unique molecular structure consisting of three hydrophilic (water-attracting) hydroxyl groups, designed to attract moisture from the environment . Because glycerin has a relatively low molecular weight, it penetrates deeply into the skin's layers, making it easier for your skin to retain moisture .
These properties make glycerin so valuable in skincare formulas, especially for those with dry, irritated skin. Most skincare companies, including Gladskin, use vegetable glycerin.
In skin care, glycerin doesn't work alone and shouldn't
Technically, you can buy glycerin—it's an odorless, viscous, sweet-tasting liquid—but DIYers beware: we don't recommend applying undiluted glycerin to your skin . Applying a high concentration of glycerin risks leeching moisture from the inside of your skin, creating the very conditions for dehydration you were trying to eliminate in the first place.
Without getting into the details of its chemistry, glycerin works best when combined with other ingredients, including occlusives and emollients . Occlusives help retain moisture by forming a barrier over your skin, reducing transepidermal water loss. Emollients make your skin feel softer and look smoother.
Some skincare ingredients fit into multiple categories. For example, while glycerin is primarily a humectant, it's also semi-occlusive and has some emollient properties. Again, that doesn't mean it should be used alone. Glycerin alone isn't a moisturizer, but when combined with other ingredients in a well-thought-out formula, it can effectively hydrate the skin.
The benefits of glycerin for sensitive skin
1. Glycerin is an extremely effective moisturizer
If you have sensitive skin, you want hydrating ingredients that won't disrupt your skin's microbiome. Glycerin's ability to attract water molecules and retain moisture without causing irritation makes it a top-notch ingredient.
2. Glycerin supports a healthy skin barrier
By keeping your skin hydrated, glycerin strengthens and supports your skin's natural barrier function. A healthy skin barrier helps prevent harsh chemicals, pollutants, and other irritants (including some skincare ingredients) from penetrating, causing dryness and itchiness.
3. Glycerin is non-comedogenic
Non-comedogenic means that an ingredient won't clog your skin's pores or contribute to breakouts. Because glycerin isn't a heavy, oily ingredient, it's classified as non-comedogenic. However, be sure to read the ingredients list before purchasing a product containing glycerin, as other ingredients can negate its non-comedogenic properties.
Incorporate glycerin-containing products into your skin care routine
At Gladskin, we know it's not always easy to add a new product to your skincare routine. We've created a guide for Adding new skincare products to your current routine with minimal fuss, but you can also start by:
Try Gladskin's Daily Care cream .
This product contains glycerin to hydrate the skin and is kind to the skin microbiome.
Gladskin's gel-to-milk Face Wash and Moisturizing Incorporate Body Wash into your routine. Both products contain glycerin and use minimal ingredients.
Gladskin: Minimally formulated skin care
Glycerin has maintained its status as a skincare staple because it's generally safe for all skin types, blends well with other ingredients, and provides excellent hydration. Choosing the right glycerin products and incorporating them into your daily routine can leave your skin feeling hydrated and comfortable.
Gladskin creates minimally formulated skincare products designed to promote healthy skin. We carefully select ingredients like glycerin and avoid fragrances, steroids, preservatives, parabens, and more.
To learn more , browse our bestsellers today .
