Glycerin

INCI: Glycerin
Category: Humectant
Used in: Skincare, haircare, personal care products
Typical Usage Level (Topical):
2% – 10% in cleansers or leave-on formulations (serums, moisturizers, lotions, hand creams)
Lower percentages hydrate effectively, while higher levels improve barrier repair when well-formulated.

What This Ingredient Does

Glycerin is a naturally occurring humectant present in the skin’s natural moisturizing factors (NMF). Its primary role is to attract water from deeper skin layers and the surrounding environment into the outermost layer of the skin, helping maintain hydration.

Unlike some newer humectants, glycerin has extensive clinical evidence supporting its ability not only to hydrate the skin but also to improve barrier function. It helps normalize skin cell maturation, improve corneocyte flexibility, and reduce transepidermal water loss over time.

Because of its small molecular size, glycerin penetrates the stratum corneum effectively and provides sustained hydration without clogging pores or disrupting the skin barrier.

Benefits

• Provides deep and long-lasting hydration

• Helps strengthen and repair the skin barrier

• Reduces dryness, flaking, and tightness

• Improves skin smoothness and resilience

• Non-comedogenic and non-irritating

Who It’s Suitable For

• All skin types

• Dry or dehydrated skin

• Sensitive or barrier-impaired skin

• Acne-prone and oily skin needing hydration without heaviness

Note by Dr. Su

(M.D. Dermatologist)
Glycerin remains one of the gold-standard hydrating ingredients in dermatology. Its barrier-supporting and hydration benefits are well proven, making it suitable for daily use across all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin.

References

• Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2008

• British Journal of Dermatology, 2000

• Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019

• Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2017