Studying the latest skin care ingredients can be tiring, but glycerin is the backbone of skin care that transcends any tricks. Here’s everything you need to know about the proven skin hydrator.
Glycerin occurs naturally in the skin, but it’s also a common and effective skin care ingredient. Also called glycerin or glycerol, it can be derived from plants or animals, or it can be made synthetically.
“Glycerin is a humectant that draws water from the environment into the skin, hydrating it,” says Ramya Garlapati, a Los Angeles-based board-certified dermatologist, board-certified makeup artist, and co-founder of Skin Medicinals. The doctor explains. “Due to its lower molecular weight, it has the added benefit of being able to penetrate deeper layers of the skin to provide deep hydration.”
Glycerin is widely found in moisturizers, creams, and serums, and according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jenny Liu, “it doesn’t need to be in high concentrations to work effectively to moisturize the skin. “that’s right.
However, it is often listed second after water on the ingredient list of moisturizers and serums. Looking for glycerin among her first three ingredients is an easy way to make sure the product you’re using is moisturizing. Garlapati explains: “In ingredient lists for skin care products, ingredients are listed from highest concentration to lowest concentration. Therefore, if one of the first few ingredients listed is glycerin, the product has a high concentration of glycerin. It is no exaggeration to say that it is a product with moisturizing effects.
Glycerin is a humectant on its own, but it’s even better when combined with other moisture-retaining elements, such as hyaluronic acid, a fellow humectant, and emollients like vegetable oils and petrolatum.
Skin hydration is one of the most direct routes to “anti-aging” results. When your skin is properly hydrated, it will be plumper, firmer, and have fewer lines and wrinkles. So when you use a super moisturizing ingredient like glycerin, your skin absorbs all that moisture and you can expect the visible benefits that come with it. Glycerin also helps make skin softer and stronger by moisturizing the skin barrier and protecting it from environmental irritants.
Garlapati says the ingredient is well-tolerated and suitable for all skin types. The dermatologist also notes that it has “no known interactions with other topical products, making it very easy to incorporate into any skin care routine.”
With that in mind, check out 14 editor- and expert-approved skin care products with glycerin starting at just $3.
This juicy serum is formulated with superstar skin care ingredients like glycerin, niacinamide, vitamin C, alpha hydroxy acids, and vitamin E to smooth, plump, and hydrate your skin. This is like a shot of youth for my skin and I’m so glad it’s available in stores. pharmacy.
Glycerin takes center stage in this new eye serum’s ingredient list. The anti-aging treatment helps combat fine lines and crow’s feet with gentle levels of retinol and moisturizing squalane. It feels smooth and comfortable on the delicate under-eye area without being heavy, and I like to apply it on my laugh lines as well.
Dr. Jart+’s fan-favorite moisturizer is formulated with five ceramides, panthenol, and glycerin to strengthen the skin’s barrier and prevent water loss. I love this for prepping my makeup because it has a thick consistency and creates a cushion-like base that hydrates my skin all day long.
Great for those with oily or combination skin, or who prefer a lightweight moisturizer, this formula nourishes skin with a ceramide-enriched barrier repair complex and glycerin (second on the ingredient list), a fast-acting moisture complex. Keeps it soft and moisturized. This was my go-to daytime moisturizer last spring.
Botnia’s natural approach to beauty values simplicity. This serum contains only eight ingredients, including organic vegetable glycerin, rose geranium, and hyaluronic acid. Gives your skin a light feel while providing essential hydration.
Keep it simple by using straight vegetable glycerin. This moisturizer can be added to your favorite moisturizer or serum as a booster, or applied directly from the bottle. According to Garlapati, “Vegetable glycerin is the type of glycerin found in most skin care products.” With over 37,000 ratings, this popular option is an affordable way to upgrade your skin care (DIY bath and body (can also be used in recipes).
Plump, bright skin starts with a healthy skin barrier, and Garlapati says this moisturizer is “an excellent choice for repairing or maintaining the skin barrier.” According to dermatologists, this cream contains glycerin and lipids that moisturize the skin and keep it hydrated.
Liu is a “fan of dual-purpose SPF products that care for your skin just by putting them on,” like this sheer, glowing sunscreen that doubles as a makeup base. “It’s lightweight and has glycerin, squalane, and aloe to moisturize and promote healthy-looking skin,” says Liu. “I love the elegant finish with a glossy finish without any shine or shine.”
“This anti-aging cream is rich in glycerin and lipids and contains 2% ceramides, 4% natural cholesterol, and 2% fatty acids to restore the skin’s natural barrier and improve overall radiance. It has been proven to improve,” Garapati said. “The smell is amazing too.”
This serum contains 30% glycerin, which unlocks other benefits of this ingredient beyond hydration, as founder Lisa Guerra explained on TikTok. In high concentrations, it can protect against irritation and help repair the skin barrier, she says.
Liu recommends this affordable cream as a daily moisturizer. “Glycerin helps maintain lasting moisture, while hyaluronic acid and peptides nourish and plump the skin,” she says.
Liu recommends this nourishing body cream, which is formulated with glycerin, urea, and lactic acid. She says it’s all-over skin and is “the perfect combination of ingredients for dry and gray skin.”
This moisturizer supports “skin longevity” with a unique blend of peptides and proven skin care ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and glycerin. Designed for mature skin, OS-01 peptide works to reduce the amount of damaged skin cells, thereby weakening the surrounding cells as well.
Glycerin’s moisturizing properties are great for your scalp and hair. Liu says this leave-in scalp treatment with niacinamide and glycerin is “moisturizing.” [the] scalp and support [a] Healthy skin barrier for hair growth. ”
