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A glass ball-and-stick model of a glycerol molecule with three carbons and three hydroxyl groups

HYDRATOR

Glycerin

Glycerin

A simple, water-loving molecule found naturally in skin and in plant fats, used in almost every type of skincare to attract water and help skin feel hydrated, soft and comfortable.

Source

Plant oils and fats, or synthesis

Used for

Hydration, all skin types

How it works

The classic humectant.

Glycerin, also called glycerol, is a small molecule with three water-loving hydroxyl groups. It is a clear, odourless, syrupy liquid that mixes freely with water, and it occurs naturally in plant oils and fats, where it forms the backbone of triglycerides. Skin also contains glycerol of its own, which plays a part in keeping it hydrated.

In skincare it is a humectant: it attracts and holds water. Studies on skin have found it boosts hydration and helps the outer layer of skin stay moisturised for longer.

Because it is so well tolerated and so effective, glycerin is used in almost every kind of skin and hair care, from cleansers and toners to serums, creams and masks. It suits every skin type, morning or night.
  1. 01

    A classic humectant that attracts and holds water in the skin's outer layer

  2. 02

    Helps skin feel hydrated, soft and comfortable

  3. 03

    Well tolerated and suited to every skin type

Questions

What does glycerin do in skincare?
Glycerin is a humectant, which means it attracts and holds water. Studies on skin have found it raises hydration and keeps skin comfortably moisturised, which is why it appears in so many moisturising formulas. (Fluhr et al., 1999; COSMILE Europe)
Is glycerin the same as glycerol?
Yes. Glycerol is the chemical name and glycerin is the name used on cosmetic ingredient lists. It is a small molecule of three carbon atoms, each carrying a hydroxyl group, which is what makes it so attracted to water. (PubChem; COSMILE Europe)
Is glycerin found naturally in skin?
Yes. Skin contains its own glycerol, which plays a role in keeping it hydrated and supple. Applying glycerin tops up this natural moisture-binding system in the skin's outer layer. (Fluhr et al., 2008)
Is glycerin gentle on skin?
Glycerin is known for its good skin tolerance, which, together with how well it holds moisture, is why it is found in almost all skincare products. Skin also contains glycerol of its own as part of how it stays hydrated. (COSMILE Europe; Fluhr et al., 2008)

Where it comes from

Glycerin is a sugar alcohol that occurs naturally in fats and oils, where it is bound to fatty acids as triglycerides. The European cosmetic ingredient database lists its origin as plant or synthetic. (COSMILE Europe)

It has been used in skin preparations for many years, and skin makes glycerol too, as part of how it naturally stays hydrated. (Fluhr et al., 2008)

The research

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