PoreWise Ingredient
Glycerin
Public databaseGLYCERIN
Glycerin is one of the most studied humectants. It draws water into the upper layers of the skin and appears in almost every moisturiser. The strongest evidence comes from a 2020 human trial: In a randomized, double-blind, four-arm crossover study of 51 healthy volunteers with dry skin, an emollient containing glycerol and petrolatum raised corneometry-measured skin moisture significantly above its vehicle (P < 0.0001) over 12 hours. The authors attributed the hydration gain to the glycerol component and the lower water loss to the petrolatum component. 2020 · 51 people · healthy volunteers with dry skin (Kligman score 2 or 3) · PMID 31532576 · Measured on the forearms. The significant hydration result comes from the full emollient containing both glycerol and petrolatum. 63 products contain Glycerin; the highest it appears is number 2 of 25.
- INCI name:
- GLYCERIN
- CAS number:
- 56-81-5
- Source:
- PubChem
Functions
Products with this ingredient
Glycerin appears on 63 product ingredient lists, most often around number 3; its highest position is number 2 of 25.
Studies and results
- 1 Skin effectCombined effects of glycerol and petrolatum in an emollient cream: A randomized, double-blind, crossover study in healthy volunteers with dry skin
In a randomized, double-blind, four-arm crossover study of 51 healthy volunteers with dry skin, an emollient containing glycerol and petrolatum raised corneometry-measured skin moisture significantly above its vehicle (P < 0.0001) over 12 hours. The authors attributed the hydration gain to the glycerol component and the lower water loss to the petrolatum component.
Human trial · 2020 · 51 people · healthy volunteers with dry skin (Kligman score 2 or 3) · Corneometry (skin moisture) and transepidermal water loss over 12 hours after one application. · Measured on the forearms. The significant hydration result comes from the full emollient containing both glycerol and petrolatum.
- 2 Skin effectGlycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions
Topical glycerol improves stratum corneum hydration, barrier function and skin mechanical properties. The review also reports reduced irritation response and faster wound healing, and traces the effect to aquaporin-3 transport and to glycerol's own presence in the skin.
Review article · 2008 · Humans in the cited studies, plus animal and in-vitro work on mechanism · Leave-on products. The review discusses both healthy skin and skin with dry or barrier-impaired conditions such as atopic dermatitis. · A narrative review. It compiles mechanisms and results from other studies.
- 3 Skin effectPubChem
Glycerin is classified as a humectant in cosmetic ingredient databases: its role in a formula is to hold water.
Official ingredient listing · Cosmetic formulas generally. · Ingredient database · GLYCERIN · Skin effect of to the stratum corneum comes from a separate review of the literature. · Ingredient database · GLYCERIN
Skin concerns this ingredient has been studied for
The people in each study had that concern.
Common questions
- What does Glycerin do in skincare?
- Glycerin is one of the most studied humectants. It draws water into the upper layers of the skin and appears in almost every moisturiser.
- Where does Glycerin sit in these formulas?
- Glycerin appears in 63 products; highest on the list is number 2 of 25, in Bio-Active Ceramide Moisturizer.
- Which products contain Glycerin?
- Products that contain Glycerin: Bio-Active Ceramide Moisturizer, Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer, Calm + Restore Triple Oat Serum, CALM Rescue & Repair Weightless Moisturizer, Daily Moisturizing Face Cream for Dry Skin with Oat, Daily Moisturizing Face Lotion for Dry Skin with Oat. Plus 57 more.
- How strong is the evidence behind Glycerin?
- 3 findings on Glycerin; the strongest is a 2020 human trial of 51 healthy volunteers with dry skin (Kligman score 2 or 3).
- What did the study on Glycerin measure?
- 2020 · 51 people · healthy volunteers with dry skin (Kligman score 2 or 3) · PMID 31532576 · Measured on the forearms. The significant hydration result comes from the full emollient containing both glycerol and petrolatum.