If there is one thing our skin can’t do without it is moisture. Without it, your skin can look dull, dry, and flaky and feel tight and rough. In skincare product formulations, we often find ingredients like hyaluronic acid (to help bind moisture to the skin), retinol (vitamin A, targeting fine lines and breakouts) and ingredients targeting hyperpigmentation (photo aging).
But there’s a workhorse ingredient that’s present in all kinds of product formulations but (in my opinion) doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. It’s quite common yet it might not be familiar to you. It’s glycerin and it’s a big deal in the moisturizing department, helping you achieve that dewy radiance we’re all about.
What is it and what does it do?
Glycerin, also known as glycerol, is a natural compound derived from vegetable oils or animal fats. It’s a clear, colorless, and odorless. Glycerin is a humectant, which means it is 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 other words, it attracts moisture to itself (like hyaluronic acid).
In skin care products, glycerin is commonly used with occlusives, another type of moisturizing agent, to trap the moisture that it draws into the skin, which makes it a star for helping skin achieve that supple, healthy look and feel. Glycerin is also mildly antimicrobial (fights bacteria) and is used to treat skin injuries such as burns and certain skin irritations and inflammation. It is sometimes present in retinol creams or serums (which can cause redness and irritation) because it soothes and hydrates the skin.
According to a 2016 study (Trusted Source), glycerin is “the most effective humectant” in comparison with numerous others, including alpha hydroxy acids, such as lactic acid and glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid.
Glycerin is good for most skin types and conditions, but is especially beneficial for dry and/or sensitive skin as it is generally non-irritating and smooths rough skin texture.
Glycerin benefits oily skin too as it draws water from the air into the skin to moisturize it without a heavy or greasy feel. It’s found in many oil-free moisturizers and in non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) skin-care products. Unlike acids, which are best used at night, glycerin can be used day or night as part of your skin-care routine.
Some of our products which contain glycerin include:
· Marine Silk Serum
· Multi-Fruit Hydration Gel
· Advanced Vitamin C Crème
· Lemon Gel Crème
· Marine Hydration Crème
· Super Emollient Crème
· Sensitive Care Balm
· Vitamin A Crème
Consider the possibilities!
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