6 Benefits of Glycerin for Skin

From saffron to snail mucus, it’s easy to get caught up in the hype surrounding the latest trending skincare ingredients. However, there are a few natural skincare ingredients that stand out among the gimmicks—including glycerin.

Glycerin is a beloved and widely used moisturizing ingredient in skincare. Derived from natural animal and plant sources, this secret skincare weapon is worth your consideration given its soothing benefits and highly tolerable nature. 

Keep reading to delve into the hydrating world of glycerin and uncover its remarkable effects on the skin.

What is Glycerin?

Even if you’re unfamiliar with glycerin, you’ve likely already met this sugar alcohol in your kitchen. Glycerin naturally occurs in a range of plant and animal foods, appearing as a colorless and odorless liquid. In fact, you could find glycerin in any of the following foods and beverages:

• Soy oil
• Coconut oil
• Palm oil
• Beer
• Honey
• Vinegar
• Wine and wine vinegar

When creating glycerin for skin products, manufacturers often form the molecule through the hydrolysis of fats and oils. As of now, glycerin is rated safe for consumption and topical use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). When you hear oils, you may think that they’re pore-clogging ingredients. But are ingredients like glycerin or jojoba oil comedogenic? The answer is no, and they have a plethora of skin benefits.

How Does Glycerin Work on Skin?

So, what does glycerin do for skin exactly? The bulk of glycerin’s powers comes from its status as a humectant. 

Humectants are molecules that attract moisture from the surrounding environment. This means that, when applied topically, glycerin acts as a captivating magnet for moisture, drawing water molecules from the air into your epidermis, or skin layers. This hydration keeps your skin cells healthy so that they can more effectively transport essential nutrients and maintain your skin barrier.

Even better? Glycerin has a molecular weight of about 92 grams/mole, allowing it to penetrate the deeper layers of your epidermis. This means glycerin can act as a master of balance, bringing moisture to the epidermal layers that need it most. As a result, you get hydrated and radiant skin from the inside out.

Top Benefits of Glycerin for Skin

It’s hard to oversell the benefits of glycerin for skin. This hydrating ingredient is a multi-factor glow booster, with abilities to moisturize, strengthen, and brighten the skin. Let’s explore the top 6 benefits of using glycerin in your skincare routine: 

1. Moisturization – Pure glycerin is a gentle yet effective hydration hero, saving the day with its humectant properties. When applied topically, natural glycerin can significantly boost skin hydration for up to 24 hours. In fact, most moisturizers already contain some form of glycerin in their formula for this reason. According to cosmetic scientist Rachael Polowyj, "Cosmetic chemists will use it in most formulations because of how effective it is in terms of moisturizing." 
2. Skin barrier protection – Your skin’s natural barrier is a vital “shield” against harmful bacteria and harsh elements, formed by a well-moisturized microbiome on the skin’s surface. By moisturizing your skin, glycerin bolsters your skin's natural barrier. So, when you face dry winter air or aggressive products, you can count on glycerin to protect your skin from any signs of damage, like cracking or skin irritation.
3. Irritation relief – Dealing with red and itchy patches on your face? Glycerin could be the key to calming your skin. In fact, one study found that a topical 10% glycerin solution effectively relieved acute skin irritation. Whether you're dealing with a skin condition like a sunburn, eczema, or simply a touch of sensitivity, glycerin could be your knight in soothing armor.
4. Protection against harsh products – If you’ve recently invited actives (or targeted skincare ingredients) into your skincare routine, you might be facing some side effects during the adjustment period. Fortunately, you may be able to use glycerin to prevent or reduce these effects, which can include dryness, redness, or peeling. 
5. Anti-aging – Moisture is a key player in the prevention of premature wrinkles and fine lines. Why is that? Moisturized skin better retains its elasticity and volume, resisting the appearance of wrinkles for longer. Since glycerin is known for its moisturizing properties, it could contribute to anti-aging prevention. One study even found that a 20% glycerin solution effectively reduced the appearance of crow’s feet. 
6. Infection prevention – In large doses, glycerin may even stop infection in its tracks. One study found that glycerin creates a bacteriostatic environment—i.e., it prevents the growth of bacteria. By applying a formula with a high concentration of glycerin, you could help prevent any open wounds on your sensitive skin from becoming infected.

What Skin Types Should Use Glycerin?

If you have sensitive or particular skin, you may wonder if it’s safe for you to incorporate a glycerin product into your skincare routine. The answer is likely yes.

Glycerin is highly tolerable for almost all skin types. In fact, there are zero known side effects of glycerin in skincare. However, that doesn’t mean glycerin can’t suit certain skin types more than others. The moisturizing and soothing properties of glycerin make it highly suitable for dry and sensitive skin types. On the other hand, it doesn’t hurt to try this hydrating ingredient, regardless of skin type, given its incredible benefits. 

How to Bring Glycerin into Your Skincare Routine

Ready to harness the glow-boosting powers of glycerin? Fortunately, there’s more than one way to incorporate this special ingredient into your skincare routine. 

Glycerin is a common and affordable ingredient in skincare, so it’s not hard to find. Depending on your moisture needs and skin type, you could incorporate a number of products with glycerin into your routine, such as:

• Cleanser – Yes, even your cleanser can be hydrating. A facial cleanser with glycerin will prevent that “squeaky rubber” feeling that comes from stripping your skin’s natural oils. Look for a cleanser with glycerin to keep your face calm and moisturized while cleansing.
• Toner – For an extra dose of hydration, consider a glycerin-based toner. After cleansing, reach for a toner that features glycerin and apply it gently to the face with cotton pads. 
• Moisturizer – The most common place you’ll find glycerin is in moisturizer formulas. The thick nature of glycerin makes it a go-to for moisturizers, imbuing the skincare product with that silky yet rich feeling. For daytime protection, seek a daily moisturizer with SPF and glycerin. This will allow you to draw in hydration and boost your skin barrier to further protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. 
• Face mask – Sometimes, your skin needs a reboot after irritation, dryness, or stress. A glycerin-based face mask has the intensive hydrating properties you need to restore balance and moisture to your skin. Consider applying a mask with glycerin at least once per week to keep your skin feeling fresh and moisturized. 

Find Products that Feature Your Top Skincare Ingredients with PROVEN

The world of skincare doesn’t have to be complicated. With quality, effective, and well-tolerated ingredients, like glycerin, you can simplify your routine and still unlock the radiant, hydrated, and glowing skin you’ve been searching for. 

If you’re interested in adding more natural and effective ingredients to your routine, PROVEN Skincare is ready to provide you with the best selection. At PROVEN, we draw on the power of natural ingredients to create personalized products designed to address your unique skin concerns, from acne to fine lines and wrinkles. Simply take our 3-minute skincare quiz, and we can develop a daily facial cleanser, day cream, night cream, and more that feature the exact ingredients you need based on your skin type, concerns, and ultimate skincare goals.  

Experience the benefits of personalized skincare with PROVEN.