Active ingredient
Glycerin
INCIGlycerin
Last reviewed by BIOSAR Scientific Team, PharmD, Cosmetic Chemistry, Pharmacy practice on .
Glycerin is a small triol humectant used in nearly every category of skincare to draw water into the stratum corneum. It binds water molecules at the cell surface, plumps the look of the skin, and supports barrier recovery in dry or compromised conditions. Pairs broadly with most actives. No major conflicts.
Considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Topical glycerin is considered safe during pregnancy and lactation per Mother to Baby and Trivedi et al. (2017). It is one of the most universally tolerated humectants in cosmetic use.
What Glycerin does
Humectant that attracts water to the skin. Core hydrating ingredient across face, body, and baby formulas.
What the research says
- +59%Hydration up 59% one hour after a three-active fluidIn 20 women, one application of a fluid with hyaluronic acid, glycerin and a Centella extract raised forearm hydration by 59% at 1 hour, 48% at 8 hours and 29% at 24 hours versus an untreated site. Glycerin was one of three actives.Read the study →Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2017
Where it helps
Concerns Glycerin addresses
Dryness
Dryness is a barrier dysfunction in which skin loses water faster than it can retain or replenish it, presenting as flaking, tightness,…
Explore the concernHyperpigmentation
Across Fitzpatrick III–V skin tones — the majority of darker skin tones — the most common consultation is the same: the patch on the…
Explore the concern
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