Description
Glycerin, also known as glycerol, is a natural compound derived from vegetable oils or animal fats. It’s a clear, colorless, odorless, and syrupy liquid with a sweet taste.
Glycerin is a humectant, a type of moisturizing agent that pulls water into the outer layer of your skin from deeper levels of your skin and the air.
In skin care products, glycerin is commonly used with occlusive, another type of moisturizing agent, to trap the moisture it draws into the skin.
According to a 2016 study Trusted Source, glycerin is “the most effective humectant” available to increase hydration on the top layer of your skin, in comparison with numerous others, including:
- alpha hydroxy acids, like lactic acid and glycolic acid
- hyaluronic acid
- propylene glycol and butylene glycol
- sorbitol
- urea
Glycerin’s appearance in skin care products seems to be warranted, as there are a number of benefits it brings to your skin.
Glycerin skin benefits
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, glycerin can:
- hydrate the outer layer of the skin
- improve skin barrier function
- provide protection against skin irritants
- accelerate wound-healing processes
- relieve dry skin
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