What Is Glycerin and How Can It Hydrate Your Skin?

Glycerin can be found as a base in many skincare products, I’m sure you’ve seen the labels, or even bought a bar of glycerin to try the soap brows trend back in 2021…

But what is it and what does it do for the skin?

Keep reading and learn everything you need to know about glycerin, why it’s in so many of our hair, skin and beauty products, and where you can find the perfect glycerin products for your skincare goals.

What is glycerin?

Glycerin, also known as glycerol, is a clear, colorless, and odorless viscous liquid (technically a type of sugar alcohol), with a sweet taste.

It can be derived from animal fats, plant oils, or produced synthetically.

It is often used in foods for thickening or sweetening purposes, and in cosmetics for its highly moisturizing properties.

It's a humectant, which means it attracts and retains moisture from the air, and this is beneficial both for medical purposes (it’s found in many medicines) and for your skin.

In skincare, it works by drawing water into the skin's outer layer, helping to keep it hydrated and maintain the skin's moisture barrier.

For this reason, it is commonly found in moisturizers, cleansers, serums, and other beauty products due to its excellent hydrating properties and gentle nature on the skin.

What is vegetable glycerin?

Vegetable glycerin, or organic glycerin, is the vegan version of glycerin, which tends to be derived from plant oils like coconut, soybean and RSPO certified palm oil, instead of being derived from animal fats or produced synthetically from petroleum.

If vegan-sourced glycerin is important to you, our section on glycerin beauty products below highlights and distinguishes which ones are vegan-friendly.

What is glycerin used for?

Glycerin has many uses and can be found in a wide range of everyday products due to its versatile properties, namely being very effective as a humectant, as a sweetener or thickener in food, but also as an emollient for skin or solvent for colorings.

Here are some more in-depth examples:

Glycerin is widely used in personal care products for its humectant properties, attracting moisture to the skin and retaining that hydration, while also acting as an emollient which softens and smooths skin. It's very common in moisturizers, serums, and soaps, as well as deodorant and makeup. In shampoo and conditioner, glycerin helps to add moisture, and in toothpaste it is used to stop it from drying out.

In the food industry, glycerin serves multiple purposes. It acts as a preservative in dried fruits, candies, and other processed foods as it helps them retain their moisture. It is also used as a sweetener for drinks and energy bars, for example, and functions as a thickener for liquids and as a solvent for flavorings and colorings.

Glycerin also has numerous pharmaceutical applications; it is used in medications such as cough syrups, lozenges, and suppositories to lubricate and soothe, and can be found in some ointments.

It also works as a laxative by drawing water into the bowels to hydrate and soften stool.

Glycerin can also be administered via IV or orally to treat conditions like glaucoma by reducing pressure within the eyes or skull, and drug capsules are also made out of glycerin.

Beyond personal care and food, glycerin has some industrial uses too. It can be included in antifreeze and de-icing fluids, and is considered a more sustainable alternative to traditional options. Glycerin is also used in the production of soaps, candles and paints.

Is glycerin good for skin?

Just because it is also used in things like candles and paints, doesn’t mean it isn’t good for your skin, glycerin is just a jack of all trades and a great multitasker! In fact, glycerin is so versatile it can support all skin types in different ways, which we’ve outlined below:

For those with dry skin, glycerin works wonders by attracting moisture to the skin's surface and sealing it in, resulting in a softer, smoother, and more protected complexion.

Contrary to what you might think, oily skin still requires proper hydration.

Without it, your skin may overproduce sebum to make up for the lack of moisture. Glycerin offers non-greasy hydration that won't clog pores, making it ideal for those with excess oil or congested skin.

Thanks to its lightweight hydrating properties, glycerin is perfect for combination skin types, effectively addressing both the oily and dry zones without feeling heavy.

Known for being mild and comforting, glycerin delivers hydration while potentially reducing the appearance and sensations of irritation. It also strengthens the skin's natural barrier, offering added protection from environmental stressors.

Benefits of glycerin for skin

Here are the 5 most important glycerin benefits for your skin that you should know:

1. Locks in hydration

Glycerin pulls moisture into your skin and prevents it from evaporating, ensuring long-lasting hydration. It's particularly useful when the air is dry or during winter.

2. Creates a softer, more even complexion

When your skin stays properly hydrated, glycerin can help diminish rough, dry patches and promote a silkier texture.

3. Strengthens your skin's outer layer

A strong skin barrier is essential for retaining moisture, and keeping skin well-hydrated strengthens the natural barrier in turn, offering better protection from harsh elements such as pollution, wind, and cold temperatures. Studies have shown that applying glycerin to the stratum corneum (outermost layer of skin) enhances its moisture-retaining abilities and also improves its structure.

4. Minimizes visible signs of aging

Deeply moisturizing ingredients like glycerin preserve your skin's bounce and fullness, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as we age well. Using glycerin in conjunction with other ingredients like collagen, that make the skin appear more plump and enhance the experience of improved skin elasticity. Read more about collagen and how you can implement it here. [link]

5. Tackles dryness and sensitivity

This soothing ingredient can provide sensations of relief for those dealing with very dehydrated or reactive skin, especially as it supports the skin’s natural barrier, boosting your defenses against environmental aggressors.

Where to buy glycerin

If you’re after pure glycerin, with nothing extra added, or glycerin soap, you can find these at most major retailers or drugstores. But, if you’re looking for glycerin-based hair and skincare products enriched with other healthy and powerful ingredients for added benefits, you can browse Beauty Heroes’ catalogue of clean and effective cosmetics.

We’ve shortlisted a variety of different glycerin-rich products here, so you can find the one that will help you benefit from glycerin the most:

• 8 Days | Botanical Body Wash

Starting off simple, this handcrafted Botanical Body Wash from 8 Days is crafted with organic ingredients from their Northern California farm.

It is Infused with nourishing jojoba, shea butter, aloe vera, flowers and herbs with scents of fresh botanicals that will bloom in the shower while providing a rich, moisturizing lather that gently cleanses the skin. Botanical Body Wash can be used as a body or hand wash and is available in 4 scents.

This product contains organic glycerin, and is therefore vegan-friendly. 🌱

• evre. | Oh So Extra Pineapple & Coconut Gentle Face Cleanser

The first step in your skincare routine should be cleansing your skin.

You can start by using the Oh So Extra Pineapple & Coconut Gentle Face Cleanser from evre.; a creamy, teen-friendly cleanser made to gently wash away impurities while keeping skin happy and balanced. With its tropical pineapple and coconut scent, this cleanser turns a daily routine into a fun, refreshing ritual without leaving skin feeling dry or tight.

Formulated with coconut oil to nourish, pineapple extract for gentle exfoliation, and sweet almond oil to soften, it works with glycerin to boost hydration. The result is clean, soft, refreshed skin that’s ready to take on the day.

• Doré | La Micellaire

For a deeper cleanse and to effectively remove any makeup residue, micellar water can be your best friend.

La Micellarie from Doré is a soothing rinse-free everyday micellar cleansing water to gently cleanse skin of makeup. Formulated with antioxidant properties to remove excess oil and dirt, while providing the soothing sensation for tired, puffy, irritated skin.

La Micellaire will leave your skin feeling hydrated with no stickiness to worry about.

• Innersense Organic Beauty | Hydrating Cream Conditioner

If you want to reap the benefits of glycerin from head to toe, you might want to use this conditioner along with the 8 Days body wash for a nourishing, spa-like everything shower.

This rich Hydrating Cream Conditioner by Innersense Organic Beauty, delivers the look of salon-quality results. Using ingredients that are sustainably sourced, this Innersense hydrating conditioner provides a feeling of maximum moisture and softness to strands, improving the look of dry, brittle, and damaged hair.

This product is has been verified as vegan and cruelty-free. 🌱

• Three Ships | Restore Barrier Repair Cream

After cleansing, the next step in your skincare routine should be to moisturize, to make sure your skin never dries out as a result of any natural oils being stripped away.

This Three Ships Restore Barrier Repair Cream was formulated to replenish moisture and reduce redness for those with a compromised skin barrier.

With ingredients like ceramides to help strengthen and repair, as well as antioxidant-rich gotu kola to soothe sensations of irritation, your skin’s barrier will be supported to reveal a healthy radiance. This fast-absorbing formula is designed to deliver daily hydration, helping your skin look and feel its best.

• True Botanicals | Skin Barrier Sun Shield SPF 30

After moisturizing, if you’re about to head out, it is important to apply a broad spectrum SPF.

This Skin Barrier Sun Shield, SPF 30, was created to provide your skin with optimal protection against UVB and UVA rays.

This lightly-tinted SPF is uniquely formulated to be suitable for most skin tones. Enriched with natural oils, Skin Barrier Shield is a non-comedogenic blend so it can be used even with the most oily or blemish-prone skin in mind. Enjoy this lightweight and sheer finish that leaves skin feeling smooth and soft.

The glycerin in this product is organic and therefore vegan-friendly. 🌱

• withSimplicity | Brow Gel

If you’re heading out, you’ll also want to make sure your brows are well-groomed, and you can leave the bar of soap behind with this Brow Gel from withSimplicity, which shapes, defines, and holds brows in place with a natural, long-lasting finish.

The lightweight, flexible formula provides effortless control without stiffness or flaking.

Made with plant-powered ingredients, it helps nourish and condition brows while enhancing their natural shape. Perfect for taming unruly hairs or adding definition, it’s an essential step for a polished, everyday look.

This is a vegan-friendly product with organic glycerin as a superpower ingredient. 🌱

• Activist Mānuka | Mānuka Immune Elixir 850+MGO

If you’re looking to get a glycerin boost from the inside out, you can also implement this Activist Mānuka Immune Elixir which provides immune support and maintenance.

Infused with Raw Mānuka Honey 850+MGO; this alchemic ambrosia works symbiotically to restore and nourish the immune system with herbs and adaptogens, under a base of spring water and vegetable glycerin. Safe for the entire family, apart from infants under 12 months of age, and alcohol-free.

This product is also vegan-friendly. 🌱

The best hydration for all skin types

Glycerin is a powerful moisturizer for all skin types: oily, dry, mixed…

Now you know everything you need to know about how glycerin treats your skin to a pamper sesh every time you use it by:

✅ Moisturizing

✅ Smoothing and softening

✅ Reducing fine lines and wrinkles

✅ Supporting the skin’s protective barrier

✅ Soothing dry and sensitive skin, all while not clogging your pores

It really is the perfect skincare formula foundation and that’s why it’s found in so many products - as we like to say, glycerin keeps the skin glistening.✨

If you want to get the best out of glycerin and its benefits, try incorporating Beauty Heroes’ healthy and high quality glycerin-based products into your skincare routine, and see the results for yourself!