Glycerin

Humectant

Also known as: Glycerol, Glycerine

Description

Glycerin is the most widely used humectant in skincare and cosmetic formulations. A naturally occurring sugar alcohol, it attracts and binds water to the stratum corneum, improving skin hydration, plasticity, and barrier function. At concentrations of 3–10%, it reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and has been shown to accelerate barrier recovery. Glycerin also modulates aquaporin-3 (AQP3) channels in keratinocytes, facilitating water and glycerol transport across cell membranes. [Fluhr 2008]

Mechanism of Action

Glycerin acts as a hygroscopic humectant, drawing water from the dermis and the environment into the stratum corneum. It integrates into the intercellular lipid lamellae, maintaining the liquid crystalline structure essential for barrier homeostasis. Glycerin also upregulates aquaporin-3 expression, enhancing transepidermal water transport and keratinocyte differentiation. At physiological concentrations, it serves as an endogenous moisturizing factor and supports corneocyte desquamation. [Fluhr 2008]

Indications

Dry skin / xerosis [Fluhr]
Eczema / atopic dermatitis [Rawlings]
Irritant contact dermatitis [Fluhr]
General skin hydration [Rawlings]
Barrier repair
Sensitive skin care
Post-procedural moisturization

Available Concentrations

Side Effects

Rarely irritating at standard concentrations (≤10%) [Fluhr]
At very high concentrations (>50%), may paradoxically draw water from deeper skin layers in low-humidity environments

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to glycerin (extremely rare)

Pregnancy Category

Not classified (generally recognized as safe — GRAS)

Found In

Cosmetics containing Glycerin

Aqualogica Detan+ Dewy Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++Aqualogica Aqualogica Glow+ Dewy Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++Aqualogica Aqualogica Illuminate+ Dewy Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++Aqualogica Aqualogica Radiance+ Dewy Sunscreen with Watermelon & Niacinamide SPF 50 PA++++Aqualogica Asaya 2% Kojic Acid + 1% Alpha Arbutin Face SerumAsaya Asaya Advanced Spot Pigmentation Face SerumAsaya Asaya 10% Vitamin C Face SerumAsaya Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+ PA++++Beauty of Joseon Bioderma Photoderm Aquafluide SPF 50+ PA++++Bioderma Bioderma Photoderm MAX Cream SPF 50+ UVA38Bioderma Bioderma Photoderm Spot-Age SPF 50+ PA++++Bioderma Bioderma Sébium Global Intensive Purifying CareBioderma Bioderma Sensibio Light CreamBioderma Biotique Dandelion Youth Anti-Ageing SerumBiotique Biotique Morning Nectar Flawless Skin Moisturiser SPF 30Biotique Biotique Bio Sandalwood Sunscreen SPF 50+Biotique CeraVe Foaming Facial CleanserCeraVe (L'Oréal)CeraVe Moisturising CreamCeraVe (L'Oréal)CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol SerumCeraVe Cetaphil Gentle Skin CleanserCetaphil (Galderma)Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Lightweight SerumCetaphil Cetaphil Moisturising CreamCetaphil (Galderma)Chemist at Play 5% AHA + 1% BHA Body LotionChemist at Play Cipla Excela MoisturiserCipla (Rivela Dermascience)Cipla Rivela Tint Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50Cipla (Rivela Dermascience)Conscious Chemist Rapid Glow & Brightening Essence SerumConscious Chemist Conscious Chemist 6 Peptide Collagen Boosting Firming SerumConscious Chemist Conscious Chemist SunProtect+ SPF 50+ PA++++ SunscreenConscious Chemist Cos-IQ 10% Niacinamide Face SerumCos-IQ Cos-IQ 20% Niacinamide Face SerumCos-IQ Cos-IQ 23% Vitamin C Face SerumCos-IQ Cos-IQ 8% Vitamin C Face SerumCos-IQ COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA+++COSRX Deconstruct 5% Niacinamide Serum + 2% Alpha ArbutinDeconstruct Deconstruct Gel Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++Deconstruct Deconstruct 10% Niacinamide Serum with 0.3% Alpha ArbutinDeconstruct Deconstruct Pore Control Serum — 2% Salicylic Acid + 3% NiacinamideDeconstruct Deconstruct Vitamin C Serum — 10% Vitamin C + 0.5% Ferulic AcidDeconstruct The Derma Co AHA BHA 10% Face PeelThe Derma Co The Derma Co 5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum with CeramidesThe Derma Co The Derma Co 1% Hyaluronic Long Lasting Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++The Derma Co The Derma Co 1% Hyaluronic Sunscreen Aqua Gel SPF 50 PA++++The Derma Co The Derma Co 1% Hyaluronic Sunscreen Hydrating Gel SPF 50 PA++++The Derma Co The Derma Co 1% Hyaluronic Sunscreen Oil-Free Matte Gel SPF 50 PA++++The Derma Co The Derma Co 2% Kojic Acid Face Serum with Alpha ArbutinThe Derma Co The Derma Co Pore Minimizing Face SerumThe Derma Co The Derma Co Pore Minimizing Priming Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++The Derma Co The Derma Co Sali-Cinamide Anti-Acne Face SerumThe Derma Co The Derma Co 2% Salicylic Acid Face SerumThe Derma Co The Derma Co 15% Vitamin C Face Serum with 5% NiacinamideThe Derma Co The Derma Co Ultra Light Zinc Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++The Derma Co Dot & Key Blueberry Hydrate 12% Barrier Boost SerumDot & Key Dot & Key Blueberry Hydrate Barrier Repair Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++Dot & Key Dot & Key Ceramide & Hyaluronic Acid MoisturiserDot & Key Dot & Key CICA Calming Mattifying Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++Dot & Key Dot & Key 10% Glycolic Acid Glow SerumDot & Key Dot & Key 2% Salicylic Acid + Cica Anti Acne SerumDot & Key Dot & Key Strawberry Dew Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++Dot & Key Dot & Key Vitamin C + E Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++Dot & Key Dot & Key Watermelon Cooling Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++Dot & Key Dr. Sheth's Ceramide & Vitamin C Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++Dr. Sheth's Dr. Sheth's Gulab & 6% Glycolic Acid & 5% Niacinamide Brightening SerumDr. Sheth's Dr. Sheth's Haldi & Hyaluronic Acid Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++Dr. Sheth's Dr. Sheth's Haldi & 2% Hyaluronic Acid Face SerumDr. Sheth's Dr. Sheth's Kesar & 2% Kojic Acid Ampoule SerumDr. Sheth's Ducray Melascreen UV Light Cream SPF 50+Ducray (Pierre Fabre)Earth Rhythm Phyto Ceramide Deep Moisture CreamEarth Rhythm Episoft AC Moisturiser with SPF 30Glenmark (Episoft)Episoft AC SPF 50+ SunscreenEpisoft (Cipla)Fixderma Reticuram Retinol SerumFixderma Fixderma 2% Salicylic Acid Serum with 5% Azelaic Acid & 4% Mandelic AcidFixderma Fixderma Skarfix-Plus CreamFixderma Fixderma Skarfix-TX Serum with 4% Kojic Acid & 3% Tranexamic AcidFixderma Foxtale Hydrating Daily Moisturiser with Ceramides & Hyaluronic AcidFoxtale Foxtale Essentials Dewy Finish Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++Foxtale Foxtale 10% Glutathione + Vitamin C Face SerumFoxtale Foxtale 3% Tranexamic Acid Face Serum with Peptides & NiacinamideFoxtale Foxtale 15% Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Acid SerumFoxtale Garnier Bright Complete Vitamin C Booster Serum 30xGarnier (L'Oréal)Garnier Super UV Invisible Serum Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++Garnier (L'Oréal)Garnier Vitamin C+ Face Serum for BrighteningGarnier Heliocare 360 Gel Oil-Free SPF 50Heliocare (Cantabria Labs)Himalaya Purifying Neem Face WashHimalaya Herbals Himalaya Purifying Neem Face Serum with 2% Natural Salicylic AcidHimalaya Himalaya Natural Glow Rose Face SerumHimalaya Himalaya All Skin Sunprotect+ Ultra-Light Sunscreen Cream SPF 50 PA++++Himalaya Himalaya Dark Spot Clearing Turmeric Face SerumHimalaya Himalaya Brightening Vitamin C SerumHimalaya Hyphen 18% Brightening + 20% Collagen Double Shot SerumHyphen Hyphen Advanced De-Pigmentation Serum with 2% Kojic AcidHyphen Hyphen Brightening Face Serum 5% Niacinamide + 1% Alpha ArbutinHyphen Hyphen 10% Power Peptide & 2% Copper Peptide SerumHyphen IPCA Sunban Ultra SPF 30 PA+++ GelIPCA Laboratories Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF 50+ PA++++Isntree Joy Revivify Vitamin C Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++Joy Revivify (RSH Global)Kaya Gluta Glow Face SerumKaya La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Fluid SPF 50+La Roche-Posay La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (+) Anti-Acne MoisturiserLa Roche-Posay Lacto Calamine 10% Niacinamide Face SerumLacto Calamine Lacto Calamine 2% Salicylic Acid Face SerumLacto Calamine Lacto Calamine Vitamin C Face SerumLacto Calamine Lakme Absolute Argan Oil Radiance Overnight Oil-in-SerumLakme Lakme Lumi Smooth Serum with 8% AHA-BHA-PHA+ ComplexLakme Lakme Perfect Radiance SerumLakme Lakme Sun Expert 1% Hyaluronic Water-Light Sunscreen Gel SPF 50 PA++++Lakme Lakme Sun Expert 1% Nia C Water-Light Sunscreen Gel SPF 50 PA++++Lakme Lakmé Sun Expert Ultra Matte SPF 50 PA+++ Gel SunscreenLakmé (Hindustan Unilever)Lakme Sun Expert Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++Lakme Lakme 9 to 5 Vitamin C+ SerumLakme L'Oreal Paris Glycolic Bright 8% Face SerumL'Oreal Paris L'Oreal Paris Revitalift 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid SerumL'Oreal Paris Loreal UV Defender Serum Protector Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++L'Oréal Paris Lotus Herbals Safe Sun UV Screen Matte Gel SPF 50 PA+++Lotus Herbals Mamaearth Beetroot Hydraful Essence SerumMamaearth Mamaearth Skin Correct Face Serum with Niacinamide & GingerMamaearth Mamaearth Rice Water Dewy Active Serum with 10% NiacinamideMamaearth Mamaearth Tea Tree Face WashMamaearth Mamaearth Vitamin C Daily Glow Face SerumMamaearth Mamaearth Vitamin C TonerMamaearth Mamaearth Skin Illuminate Face Serum with Vitamin C & TurmericMamaearth mCaffeine Latte Coffee Face WashmCaffeine Minimalist 2% Hyaluronic Acid + PGA SerumMinimalist Minimalist Multi Peptide Night Face SerumMinimalist Minimalist 0.3% Retinol + Q10 Face SerumMinimalist Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid SerumMinimalist Minimalist SPF 50 PA++++ SunscreenMinimalist Minimalist 10% Vitamin C Face Serum with Ethyl Ascorbic AcidMinimalist Neutrogena Ultrasheer Age Shield Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++Neutrogena (Johnson & Johnson)Neutrogena Hydro Serum with Hyaluronic Acid & Pro-Vitamin B5Neutrogena Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 50+ PA+++Neutrogena (Johnson & Johnson)Nivea Soft Moisturising CreamNivea (Beiersdorf)NIVEA Sun Protect and Moisture SPF 50 PA+++NIVEA (Beiersdorf)Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting CreamOlay (Procter & Gamble)Olay Total Effects Serum with Vitamin C B5 NiacinamideOlay Bello Photostable Gold Plus Sunscreen SPF 55 PA+++Systopic Laboratories (Bello)Physiogel AI Calming Relief CreamPhysiogel (LG H&H)Pilgrim 15% Vitamin C Serum with Ferulic Acid & Vitamin EPilgrim Pilgrim 25% AHA + 2% BHA + 5% PHA Peeling SolutionPilgrim Pilgrim 0.5% Retinol + Vitamin C SerumPilgrim Pilgrim 10% Vitamin C Face SerumPilgrim Pilgrim Vitamin C Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++Pilgrim Plum 5% Niacinamide & Rice Water Beginner Friendly Face SerumPlum Plum 2% Alpha Arbutin & Hyaluronic Acid Face SerumPlum Plum Green Tea Pore Cleansing Face WashPlum Plum 2% Hyaluronic Acid Serum with Bulgarian RosePlum Plum 10% Niacinamide Serum with Rice WaterPlum Plum SPF 50 PA++++ Sunscreen with 2% NiacinamidePlum Plum 1% Retinol Anti-Aging Night Face Serum with BakuchiolPlum Plum 2% Encapsulated Salicylic Acid Face SerumPlum Plum 15% Vitamin C Serum with MandarinPlum POND'S Bright Miracle Ultimate Brightening SerumPOND'S POND'S Hydra Light 2% Hyaluronic Acid Complex SerumPOND'S Pond's Super Light Gel Oil-Free Moisturiser with Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin EPond's (Unilever)POND'S Bright Beauty 12% Vit C+E+A SerumPOND'S RE'EQUIL Oil Free Aquagel Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++RE'EQUIL Re'equil Ceramide & Hyaluronic Acid MoisturiserRe'equil RE'EQUIL Oxybenzone and OMC Free Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++RE'EQUIL Regaliz Brilante Max Brightening SerumRegaliz Simple Booster Serum 10% Vitamins C + E + FSimple (Unilever)Suganda White Lotus Moisturiser with 5% NiacinamideSuganda SunScoop 3% Niacinamide Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++SunScoop The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5The Ordinary (DECIEM)Vaseline Intensive Care Deep Moisture Body LotionVaseline (Unilever)Venusia Max Intensive Moisturising CreamDr. Reddy's Laboratories VLCC 10% Azelaic Acid SerumVLCC VLCC De-Tan SPF 50 PA+++ Sunscreen Gel CremeVLCC WishCare Super Bright C16 10% Vitamin C SerumWishCare WOW Skin Science Vitamin C SerumWOW Skin Science

Related Conditions

Xerosis Primary humectant — restores stratum corneum hydration and reduces TEWL Atopic Dermatitis Humectant — replenishes moisture in barrier-impaired skin, supports AQP3 function Contact Dermatitis Hydration support — maintains skin moisture during barrier recovery Rosacea Gentle hydration — non-irritating humectant suitable for sensitive, inflamed skin

References

Fluhr JW, Darlenski R, Surber C. "Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions." Br J Dermatol, 2008. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2008.08643.x
Rawlings AV, Harding CR. "Moisturization and skin barrier function." Dermatol Ther, 2004. doi:10.1111/j.1396-0296.2004.04S1005.x

Limitations

This page provides a general overview of Glycerin in dermatology. It does not cover every possible use, formulation, or interaction. Individual responses to compounds vary — what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult a qualified dermatologist before starting or changing any treatment.

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