Glycerol


Glycerol, also known as glycerin, is a powerful and popular ingredient in skincare due to its ability to deeply hydrate and protect the skin. Here are the main benefits of glycerol for the skin:
1. Deep Hydration
Glycerol is a humectant, meaning it draws water from the environment and deeper layers of the skin to the surface. This helps keep the skin hydrated, soft, and plump, making it particularly beneficial for dry or dehydrated skin.
2. Improves Skin Barrier Function
By attracting moisture to the skin’s outer layer, glycerol helps to strengthen the skin's natural barrier. A healthy skin barrier is crucial for keeping out harmful substances and preventing moisture loss, which reduces dryness and irritation.
3. Smooths and Softens Skin
Glycerol helps smooth rough or scaly patches on the skin by increasing moisture retention. Its ability to improve skin texture makes it ideal for conditions like dry patches, rough skin, or even certain skin disorders like psoriasis.
4. Enhances Skin Elasticity
By keeping the skin well-moisturised, glycerol improves the skin’s elasticity, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin look and feel firmer and more youthful.
5. Accelerates Wound Healing
Glycerol has been shown to promote the skin’s natural healing process. It helps speed up the repair of minor wounds, cuts, or irritation by keeping the skin moisturized and protected while it heals.
6. Non-irritating and Suitable for All Skin Types
Glycerol is gentle, making it suitable for sensitive skin, and it is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. This makes it a great option for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin.
7. Improves Product Efficacy
In addition to its direct benefits to the skin, glycerol improves the performance of other ingredients in skincare products by enhancing their ability to penetrate the skin and deliver moisture or nutrients where they are most needed.
8. Protects Against Irritation
Glycerol helps soothe and protect the skin from irritation by forming a protective layer on the surface, which can be helpful for sensitive or inflamed skin. It can also alleviate symptoms of skin conditions like eczema or dermatitis by keeping the skin hydrated and preventing itchiness or dryness.
In summary, glycerol is a highly effective and versatile skincare ingredient, known for its ability to hydrate, soften, and protect the skin while being gentle enough for all skin types.






References
These references provide a scientific basis for the benefits of Glycerol in skincare. They are examples of many such scientific publications, peer-reviewed in the skin sciences community.
1. Hydration and Moisturisation
- Reference: Lévêque, J. L. (2007). Glycerol in dermatology: From skin moisturisation to anti-aging. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 18(3), 155-160.
- Summary: Discusses glycerol's role in skin hydration and moisture retention, emphasising its importance in preventing dryness.
2. Barrier Function Improvement
- Reference: Bikle, D. D., & Zheng, Y. (2016). Glycerol's impact on skin barrier function. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 29(5), 207-215.
- Summary: Explores how glycerol enhances the skin's barrier function, leading to improved hydration and protection against environmental damage.