While Glycerin is one of the most used ingredients in skincare, it is rarely talked about. Why? It just does not sound new, exotic nor exciting. That by no means, however, imply that it is not an excellent ingredient. In fact, according to a 2016 study, glycerin is found to be the most effective humectant in comparison with others, including hyaluronic acid and urea.
Let’s talk about what glycerin is, and what it does for the skin.
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What is Glycerin?
Glycerin is a natural, odorless and colorless oil-free component of animal, plant, and human tissues, including the skin and blood, with most cosmetic-used glycerin these days derived from vegetable sources. Being a humectant, it pulls water from the air (when humidity is over 70%) into the stratum corneum to keep the skin hydrated, whilst, thanks to its low molecular weight, it can also penetrate deep into the skin and hydrate the deeper layers of the dermis.
The best part? Research has shown that glycerin mimics human skin’s natural moisturizing factor (NMF), which depletes as we age, thus is safe for all skin types of all ages, including babies, unlike hyaluronic acid, which can potentially cause inflammation, depending on its molecular weight and concentration (for detailed explanation, click Hyaluronic Acid May Make Your Skin Worse).
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Glycerin Skin Benefits ① Hydrates Skin Efficaciously
Research has shown that glycerin, being a humectant with a low molecular weight, is a major determinant of our stratum corneum’s water retention function, as well as its mechanical and biosynthetic functions, by pulling water from the air and hydrating both the stratum corneum and dermis hydrated.
Working hand-in-hand with aquaporins, a protein naturally found in the skin that regulates the way water moves between the basal layers of the epidermis and the stratum corneum, they can improve overall hydration, and balance adequate hydration between different skin layers, thereby alleviating signs of dehydration and dryness. In fact, studies have shown that Glycerin can even compensate for the genetic deficiency of aquaporins.
KLUR
Immersion Serum Concentrate <- Click to shop
Besides having a wide range of ultra hydrating ingredients, including Green Tea Water, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate & Sodium Hyaluronate, the serum is also packed with 3 forms of Peptides to stimulate collagen synthesis and micro-circulation, improve skin barrier and hydration, reduce wrinkles and inflammation, regenerate collagen fibers, and rejuvenate skin. Whilst, Niacinamide, Reishi, Gotu Kola, White Tea and Chamomile etc. are added to brighten, fight free radicals, hydrate and soothe.
AGENT NATEUR
holi(water) Hyaluronic Pearl & Rose Essence <- Click to shop
Fortified with Bulgarian Rose Water, Lavender Water, Pitaya, Cucumber, Pearl Powder, Jasmine Oil, Honey, Glycerin, Sandalwood Oil and Sodium Hyaluronate, this ultra hydrating toner intensely hydrates, softens, soothes, plumps, tightens and brightens the skin. Its rich content of antioxidants and phytonutrients also provide anti-inflammation and anti-bacterial benefits, thereby reducing and improving acne and redness.
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Glycerin Skin Benefits ② Fortifies the Skin Barrier
When the skin’s lipid barrier is damaged, our skin will not be able to keep moisture in and bacteria out. Glycerin helps the skin’s natural lipids (which make up the barrier) retain their structure, thus keeping the barrier healthy and intact even when exposed to damaging aggressors like environmental pollution. The best part is, studies have shown even it can stay in the skin and provide barrier improving benefits up to a week.
TWELVE BEAUTY
Ideal Moisture Level Serum <- Click to shop
Formulated with various hydrating ingredients, such as Saccharide Isomerate, Panthenol, Glycerin and long-chain Sodium Hyaluronate, as well as prized organic botanicals like White Genepì and Mallow, it helps to provide long-lasting hydration while forming a protective layer on the skin surface to lock in moisture. It also improves the skin's barrier function, soothes irritations, fights free radicals, reduces inflammations, protects against UV rays, and repairs the skin.
KLUR
Symmetry Fluid <- Click to shop
Rich in rare ingredients Astaxanthin and Fulvic Acid, as well as resveratrol-rich Cranberry, White Tea Extract, Red Algae, Dandelion, Gotu Kola and Ginkgo, and hydrating ingredients like Green Tea Water, Glycerin, and Sodium Hyaluronate etc., Symmetry Fluid fights off inflammations and free radicals, detoxifies, removes heavy metals in the skin, brightens, reduces acne, promotes skin cell regeneration, strengthens and repairs the skin, and increases skin elasticity.
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Glycerin Skin Benefits ③ Softens & Plumps Fine Lines
Besides softening and improving rough and dry skin by increasing the skin’s water content, Glycerin can actually increase the water volume between cells to temporarily plump up the skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
In addition, studies have also shown that Glycerin can even bind with and stabilize collagen, the protein responsible for keeping our skin firm, elastic, and appear youthful.
OUMERE
Serum Bioluminelle™ <- Click to shop
Combining Carrot Seed Oil, Prickly Pear Seed Oil, Green Coffee Oil and Black Seed Oil, which are known to have superior anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties, as well as Ursolic Acid, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Beta-Glucan, Elastin Protein, Ginseng, Reishi, Glycerin and Turmeric etc., it promotes collagen and elastin synthesis, improves wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, hydrates, soothes, reduces acne, fights free radicals and slows aging.
EATH LIBRARY
Wise Awakening Advanced Brightening Toner <- Click to shop
Besides the brand's patented core brightening complex Face Reactor™ to visibly brighten, even skin tone, and lighten hyperpigmentation, this ultra hydrating Korean medicine-based formula instantly hydrates the skin to help restore skin balance, elasticity, and skin health after cleansing, Whilst, organic ingredients such as Niacinamide, Gotu Kola, Adenosine, Purslane, Houttuynia Cordata, Cynanchum Atratum, Goji Berry, Squalane, and Panthenol etc., provides soothing, calming, detoxing, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial actions to the skin, as well as stimulates collagen synthesis to slow signs of aging and smoothes wrinkles.
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Glycerin Skin Benefits ④ Improves Elasticity and Resilience
Clinical and experimental studies have found that Glycerin can modify the crystalline phase lipid structures of stratum corneum to a liquid crystalline state, which aids the skin’s moisture retention function, making it more supple and elastic.
A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology also shows that Glycerin can help skin cells mature properly by guiding young skin cells from deep in the dermis to the surface to form the skin’s barrier, resulting in skin that is more elastic and resilient.
OUMERE
The Eye Serum <- Click to shop
The advanced formula, enriched with Suma, Bladderwrack, Mulberry, Soy and Rice Peptides, Elastin Protein, Arbutin, Ursolic Acid, Licorice Root, and Glycerin etc., functions at the cellular level to clean up pigment accumulation and increase circulation to lighten dark circles, prevent eye wrinkles, skin sagging, crow's feet and puffiness, fight free radicals, and increase hydration, thus illuminating the skin around the delicate eye area.
MARIE REYNOLDS LONDON
Reson8™ <- Click to shop
A lightweight moisturizer in a hydrogel texture suitable for all skin types, Reson8™ comprises ingredients including Green Tea Extract, Aloe Vera, Glycerin, Avocado Oil, Jojoba Oil, Rosehip Oil, Marine Collagen, Gotu Kola Extract, Neroli Oil, Frankincense Oil and Rose Geranium Oil to calm, repair and stabilize the skin’s barrier while providing penetrating hydration, healing, rejuvenating and regenerating effects to the skin.
TWELVE BEAUTY
Rapid Eye Treatment <- Click to shop
With ingredients such as Rice Peptides, Soybean Peptides, Superoxide Dismutase, as well as Glycerin, Butterfly Bush, Mallow, Masterwort, and White Genepì, the natural peptides and nutritional antioxidants in this lightweight eye cream prevent collagen and elastin breakdown, protect against UV-induced damages, brighten, reduce hyperpigmentation, fight free radicals, and activate microcirculation to decrease dark circles, under-eye bags and puffiness.
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Glycerin Skin Benefits ⑤ Gently Cleanses, Fights Acne & Inflammations
Thanks to its structure, Glycerin can cleanse the skin by removing excess oil and dirt whilst maintaining moisture in the skin and preventing skin irritation or dryness during the cleansing process.
It is also non-comedogenic, and mildly antimicrobial, antibacterial and anti-viral, thus is great for skin with issues like acne, blemishes, and eczema.
EATH LIBRARY
Smooth Operator Purifying Cleansing Gel <- Click to shop
A mildly acidic cleanser that respects the skin barrier, gently dissolves and removes daily grimes in a hydrating, non-irritating way using naturally derived surfactants. The unique formula is enriched with White Truffle, Betaine Salicylate, Noni Fruit, and various berry extracts, Aloe Vera, Glycerin, as well as the brand's patented core brightening complex AYM to treat breakouts, lighten hyperpigmentation, increase transparency and elasticity, and fight free radicals.
AGENT NATEUR
acid(wash) Lactic Acid Brightening Cleanser <- Click to shop
Infused with premium organic ingredients, such as Peony Root Extract, Lavender Flower Water and Oil, Aloe Vera, Glycerin, as well as Lactic Acid, this gentle cleanser removes daily grime, soothes inflammation, and gently exfoliates to brighten dull skin, refine texture and pores, reduce hyperpigmentation, and reduce blackheads and acne yet without any irritation, leaving skin silky, supple, and youthful.
MARIE REYNOLDS LONDON
Goji Mallow Cleanse™ <- Click to shop
A hydrating and nourishing cleanser with a marshmallow-like texture. Enriched with a natural super antioxidant blend of Goji Berries, Açaí Berries and Oat Silk, as well as nourishing oils like Frankincense, Avocado and Plum, and Glycerin, it locks in moisture, provides essential nutrients, reduces inflammation and increases elasticity of the skin, all the while providing a gentle cleansing action.
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