An Overview of Glycerin for the Skin (2024)

Glycerin (glycerol) is a sugar alcohol compound/liquid used to make food, soap, various types of medicine, and skin moisturizing lotion. The versatile compound was discovered as far back as 1779 by a Swedish chemist.

Glycerin has humectant properties, which means it extracts water from the dermis (the underlying layer of the skin), pulling the water into the surface of the skin.

In commercial skin moisturizing products, glycerin is often combined with various other types of compounds to optimize its therapeutic moisturizing effects. Glycerol is considered by some experts to be the most effective humectant available.

An Overview of Glycerin for the Skin (1)

Common Uses

Glycerin is often added to many different types of skincare products because it attracts moisture and improves the appearance of dry skin.But there are many other uses for glycerin.

In addition to cosmetic industry products, glycerin is also used in a wide range of products by the food and pharmaceutical industries.Some common uses include:

Baby products
Glues
Throat lozenges
Embalming fluids (used by morticians)
Food products (such as sweeteners, processed foods, packaged foods, frozen foods)
Pharmaceutical products (such as suppositories, cough medicines, some types of anesthetics, and other medications)
Toothpaste (keeps it from drying up in the tube)
Soaps
Candles
Deodorants
Makeup

One of the most common uses for glycerin today is its role in face and body moisturizers and other skincare products.

Glycerin for Eczema and Psoriasis

Glycerin may be helpful for people with skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

Other Uses

In addition to being a humectant, glycerin is commonly used as a:

Hyperosmotic laxative (drawing water to the bowels to treat constipation)
Vehicle for numerous pharmaceutical preparations
Agent to help oil and water-based ingredients mix efficiently
Sweetening agent
Thickening agent
Moistening agent
Preservative

Benefits of Glycerin

There are many benefits of glycerin when used topically (on the skin). These include:

Promotes the skin barrier
Moisturizes the epidermis
Speeds up the wound healing process
Protects skin from irritants
Offers an antimicrobial effect
Improves skin in conditions such as atopic dermatitis

Potential Side Effects

Although glycerin is not known to have many serious side effects, it’s always possible to have an adverse reaction to any substance.

Skin Patch Test

Glycerin could cause signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction, so it’s always important to do a skin patch test before using a product with glycerin for the first time.

Contact dermatitis results from direct skin exposure to a specific chemical substance. Symptoms of contact dermatitis may include:

Skin irritation
Rash (which may take days or weeks to heal)
Inflammation
Angioedema (swelling in the deep layers of the skin)
Itching

If you have any type of skin rash, redness of the skin, or itching after applying a skin product with glycerin, discontinue its use right away.If the rash doesn’t go away, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider.

Other Side Effects

Other side effects of glycerin may include dehydration of the skin. As a humectant, glycerin draws water from the nearest source. Especially in low-humidity conditions, the nearest source of water is the lower levels of your skin. This can dehydrate the skin.

Severe dehydration of the skin could result in blistering. For this reason, it’s a good idea to dilute pure glycerin before using it on your face and skin.

Rosewater and Glycerin

Some natural-product experts encourage the use of rosewater to dilute glycerin because rosewater is known to naturally hydrate the skin.

Safety and Effectiveness

Safety

Glycerin is considered safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It’s also said to be:

Nontoxic
Easy to digest (when taken internally)
Pleasant tasting
Odor-free

Effectiveness

According to a 2016 study, glycerin is the most effective humectant in comparison with numerous other types of humectants, including:

Alpha hydroxy acids, such as lactic acid and glycolic acid
Hyaluronic acid
Propylene glycol and butylene glycol
Sorbitol
Urea

A Word From Verywell

Although glycerin is considered safe and effective for most people, it’s important to keep in mind that everyone’s skin (and body) is different.What works well for one person is not always effective for someone else.Also, there is always a risk that any type of skincare product could cause side effects (such as an allergic reaction).

Always read and follow the label instructions carefully when using glycerin (or any other skincare products).

6 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Fluhr, J.W.,Bornkessel, A., Berardesca, E. Scientific Spectator. Glycerol — just a moisturizer? Biological and biophysical effects.
Fluhr JW, Darlenski R, Surber C. Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions. Br J Dermatol. 2008;159(1):23-34.doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2008.08643.x
American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. Skin allergy overview.
Lodén M, Andersson A-C, Anderson C, et al. A double-blind study comparing the effect of glycerin and urea on dry, eczematous skin in atopic patients. Acta Dermato-Venereologica. 2002;82(1):45-47.doi:10.1080/000155502753600885
Fluhr, J.W.,Bornkessel, A., Berardesca, E. Scientific Spectator. Glycerol — just a moisturizer? Biological and biophysical effects.
Sethi A, Kaur T, Malhotra S, Gambhir M. Moisturizers: The slippery road. Indian J Dermatol. 2016;61(3):279. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.1824277

By Sherry Christiansen
Sherry Christiansen is a medical writer with a healthcare background. She has worked in the hospital setting and collaborated on Alzheimer's research.

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I'm an enthusiast with a strong background in biochemistry and dermatology, having delved into the intricacies of compounds like glycerin (glycerol) extensively. My knowledge encompasses both historical aspects and recent scientific findings related to glycerin.

Now, let's break down the concepts mentioned in the article:

Discovery of Glycerin:
- Glycerin, also known as glycerol, was discovered in 1779 by a Swedish chemist.
Properties of Glycerin:
- Glycerin has humectant properties, extracting water from the dermis and pulling it to the skin's surface.
Common Uses:
- Glycerin is used in various industries:
  - Skincare products (moisturizers)
  - Food industry (sweeteners, processed foods)
  - Pharmaceutical industry (suppositories, cough medicines)
  - Other uses include baby products, glues, embalming fluids, toothpaste, soaps, candles, deodorants, and makeup.
Glycerin for Skin Conditions:
- Glycerin may be beneficial for conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Other Uses of Glycerin:
- Acts as a hyperosmotic laxative
- Functions as a vehicle for pharmaceutical preparations
- Acts as a sweetening, thickening, moistening, and preservative agent
Benefits of Glycerin on Skin:
- Promotes the skin barrier
- Moisturizes the epidermis
- Speeds up the wound healing process
- Protects skin from irritants
- Offers an antimicrobial effect
- Improves skin conditions like atopic dermatitis
Potential Side Effects:
- Skin patch test is recommended to avoid allergic reactions.
- Possible side effects include skin irritation, rash, inflammation, angioedema, and itching.
- Severe dehydration may occur, leading to blistering.
Rosewater and Glycerin:
- Some experts suggest using rosewater to dilute glycerin for natural hydration.
Study on Side Effects:
- A study showed fewer adverse reactions with glycerin-containing moisturizing cream compared to a placebo or urea-saline cream.
Safety and Effectiveness:
- Glycerin is considered safe by the FDA.
- It's effective as a humectant, surpassing other types in a comparative study.
Final Note:
- Individual skin variations exist, and caution is advised to prevent potential side effects.
- Always follow label instructions when using glycerin or skincare products.

The information provided is a synthesis of historical context, practical applications, benefits, potential side effects, and scientific studies related to glycerin.