Article Overview
- A naturally occurring compound already produced in the body, the application of glycerin in skin care is wide-ranging. As an ingredient that mimics skin moisture functions, glycerin is particularly gentle and efficacious, and as a result can be implemented in virtually every skincare step. Multi-step routines often feature active and targeted ingredients like retinol and ferulic acid which address the specific signs of skin ageing. To support skin – and in particular the skin moisture barrier – during morning and evening routines, the addition of naturally occurring substances like glycerin can work to benefit skin.
- To understand how it can improve your skin quality, view the different uses of glycerin for face ahead. It’s likely that the ingredient already features in at least one component of your regime, but knowing how to apply glycerin for acne-prone concerns, dehydrated skin or as a protectant against environmental stressors can optimise its efficacy. The range of glycerin benefits and uses are below.
WHAT IS GLYCERIN FOR SKIN?
Glycerin (also known as glycerol or glycerine) is a humectant, sourced primarily from vegetables for topical use. The humectant status refers to its capacity to draw moisture to the stratum corneum – the surface layer of skin. Glycerin benefits for skin also apply to deeper layers, as its light molecular weight allows it to penetrate beyond surface skin, continuously drawing in and trapping moisture in the skin.
Given its affinity to skin’s natural moisture functions, what is glycerin used for? The hydrating and supportive ingredient can be found in serums, cleansers and moisturisers, used for deep moisturization or to hydrate surface layers.
IS GLYCERIN GOOD FOR SKIN?
One of the most effective humectants, glycerin in skin care serves primarily to reinstate moisture in skin. Other popular humectants include hyaluronic acid and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid and lactic acid. Given this function, glycerin benefits those with dry or dehydrated skin types. Below we will walk through the key types of glycerin benefits targeted towards a range of skin types and concerns.
1. EFFECTIVE HYDRATOR
Suitable for all skin types including those who experience sensitivity, glycerin benefits for skin center around its moisturising capabilities. In dry weather conditions and as a result of prolonged or even intermittent periods in the sun, moisture is continuously escaping from skin (a phenomenon termed ‘trans-epidermal water loss’). Glycerin in skin care reimplements moisture, hydrating the stratum corneum whilst drawing in moisture from externally.
2. HELPS SEAL IN OTHER EFFICACIOUS INGREDIENTS
Naturally sticky in texture, when glycerin is used in thicker products such as moisturizers and facial masks it sits on top of the surface layer of skin helping to protects skin from environmental stressors like pollution, UV radiation and dirt.
3. SUPPORTS SKIN MOISTURE BARRIER FUNCTION
A compromised moisture barrier affects the concerns of every skin type, as it allows moisture to escape and irritants to more easily penetrate the skin. Glycerin’s capacity to deeply implement moisture in the skin strengthening its ability to retain supportive substances like water content and moisture.
GLYCERIN IN SKIN CARE PRODUCTS
Glycerin is utilized in a range of SkinCeuticals products to promote moisture content in skin. Each glycerin-infused formula can be implemented to your skincare routine for hydrated, brightened, and even looking complexions. The gentle compound structure of glycerin means that it can be used alongside most ingredients, including potent substances such as retinol or antioxidants. SkinCeuticals’ products utilize glycerin benefits to address a range of specific concerns – improving the look and feel of every skin type. See how to integrate the ingredient into your skincare routine below.
BLEMISH AND AGE CLEANSING
Formulated with a 12% combination of glycerin, glycolic acid and lipo-hydroxy acid, Blemish and Age Cleansing is a humectant rich cleanser. A blend of acids helps to exfoliate skin evenly, refining the appearance of pores and clearing impurities for brightened, younger-looking skin.
C E FERULIC VITAMIN C SERUM
The combination of powerful antioxidants in this serum (including 15% pure vitamin C) are supported by the humectant glycerin. C E Ferulic Vitamin C Serum promotes a brightened complexion and firmer texture, and provides protection against environmental aggressors.
HA INTENSIFIER HYALURONIC ACID SERUM
To further the humectant benefits of glycerin in skin care, HA Intensifier Hyaluronic Acid Serum also contains 1.3% hyaluronic acid. Skin is deeply hydrated, decreasing visible signs of ageing and improving skin’s feel and appearance.
PHYTO CORRECTIVE HYDRATING MASK
An intensive corrective facial mask, Phyto Corrective Hydrating Mask imparts a concentration of 9% green botanicals alongside glycerin. This combination acts as a humectant and dipeptide to hydrate skin and help reduce visible facial redness. This mask can be applied as an overnight step.
A.G.E INTERRUPTER ADVANCED ANTI-WRINKLE CREAM
As a deep moisturizer, glycerin benefits the concerns of mature skin too. A.G.E Interrupter Advanced Anti-Wrinkle Cream delivers the humectant alongside a 30% concentration of sugar molecule Proxylane™ to improve the appearance of wrinkles and assist in visibly firming skin.
EPIDERMAL REPAIR SOOTHING CREAM
For the direct support of skin moisture barrier function, Epidermal Repair Soothing Cream is formulated with glycerin, beta glucan and Centella asiatica. These ingredients encourage and stimulate renewed skin cells, whilst protecting skin against the effects of environmental stress.
Discover our guide to the different types of vitamin C next.