humectant
Small polyol humectant that draws water from the dermis and environment into the stratum corneum; enhances lipid lamellar structure and aquaporin-3 expression.
| Concern | Strength | Studies | What the research says |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dryness | Strong | 10 | Review of how moisturizers affect the epidermal barrier: humectants such as glycerin increase stratum corneum hydration and can strengthen barrier function and resistance to irritation, although effects depend on… |
No known conflicts — Glycerin isn’t flagged against any concern or skin condition.
Strength reflects the ingredient’s effect on each concern; study counts match research whose findings relate to that concern.
Glycerin is a humectant backed by a large, consistent body of clinical evidence (evidence tier 1 of 4). We track 12 studies for it, 7 reporting a positive effect. It is typically effective at 1–20% in a formulation.
Clinics in Dermatology · 2012 · systematic review
Review of how moisturizers affect the epidermal barrier: humectants such as glycerin increase stratum corneum hydration and can strengthen barrier function and resistance to irritation, although effects depend on formulation and some moisturizers may weaken the barrier; supports well-formulated glycerin-containing emollients for dry, barrier-impaired skin.
British Journal of Dermatology · 2008 · systematic review
Review establishing glycerin as the gold standard humectant: attracts water to stratum corneum via hydrogen bonding, improves skin mechanical properties (elasticity, pliability), enhances desmosome degradation for smooth desquamation, and modulates aquaporin-3 channels; effective at 2-20% in topical formulations
Dermatologic Therapy · 2004 · systematic review
Comprehensive review of moisturization mechanisms: glycerin contributes to corneocyte hydration by replacing lost natural moisturizing factor (NMF) components; maintains stratum corneum fluidity at low humidity; superior humectant performance vs propylene glycol, sorbitol, and urea in controlled comparisons
Skin Pharmacology and Physiology · 2007 · rct · n=30
Placebo-controlled, double-blind RCT (n=24, atopic dermatitis): a glycerol-based emollient applied twice daily for 4 weeks significantly improved stratum corneum hydration and restored epidermal barrier function versus a glycerol-free placebo; no significant differences from placebo were found for erythema, SCORAD, or local severity scores.
Acta Dermato-Venereologica · 2002 · rct · n=97
RCT (n=197 atopic dermatitis patients): a 20% glycerin cream, its glycerin-free base, and a 4% urea/4% NaCl cream were applied daily for 30 days. Glycerin and the comparators had equal effects on skin dryness; glycerin caused significantly less smarting than the urea-saline cream (10% vs 24%, p<0.0006).
International Journal of Cosmetic Science · 2001 · rct · n=40
Bilateral double-blind study (n=17): a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration (corneometer) versus its vehicle, but did not significantly affect transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to sodium lauryl sulfate-induced irritation—glycerin's benefit was on hydration, not barrier function.
+ 6 more studies in our evidence base.
In 10,052 products — most often serums (3214), moisturizers (3039), cleansers (1150), from $2.54 to $1786.24. Set up a profile to rank these for your skin. Click any product to learn more.
ELEMIS
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30 (50ml)
Sunscreen – for Dryness
$145.0050ml · $2.90/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cetyl Alcohol and Shea Butter); Perioral Dermatitis (Fragrance); Psoriasis (Fragrance); Melasma (Fragrance)
ELEMIS
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30 (50ml)
Sunscreen – for Dryness
$145.0050ml · $2.90/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cetyl Alcohol and Shea Butter); Perioral Dermatitis (Fragrance); Psoriasis (Fragrance); Melasma (Fragrance)
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30 (50ml) is a sunscreen by ELEMIS. Key ingredients include Water, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride.
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SkinMedica
SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser (6 fl. oz.)
Exfoliant – for Acne & breakouts, Blackheads
$48.00177.4ml · $0.27/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Rosacea (Lavender Oil and Citrus Oils)
SkinMedica
SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser (6 fl. oz.)
Exfoliant – for Acne & breakouts, Blackheads
$48.00177.4ml · $0.27/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Rosacea (Lavender Oil and Citrus Oils)
SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser (6 fl. oz.) is a exfoliant by SkinMedica. Key ingredients include Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Salicylic Acid, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract.
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SkinMedica
SkinMedica Retinol Complex 1.0 (1 fl. oz.)
Serum
$96.0029.6ml · $3.25/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
SkinMedica
SkinMedica Retinol Complex 1.0 (1 fl. oz.)
Serum
$96.0029.6ml · $3.25/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
SkinMedica Retinol Complex 1.0 (1 fl. oz.) is a retinoid treatment by SkinMedica. Key ingredients include Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin.
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SkinMedica
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 0.25 (1 fl. oz.)
Serum
$64.0029.6ml · $2.16/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
SkinMedica
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 0.25 (1 fl. oz.)
Serum
$64.0029.6ml · $2.16/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 0.25 (1 fl. oz.) is a retinoid treatment by SkinMedica. Key ingredients include Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Niacinamide, Squalane.
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Lancôme
Lancôme Rénergie Multi-Lift Night Cream 50ml
Moisturizer
$92.4650ml · $1.85/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate and Stearyl Alcohol); Perioral Dermatitis (Petrolatum)
Lancôme
Lancôme Rénergie Multi-Lift Night Cream 50ml
Moisturizer
$92.4650ml · $1.85/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate and Stearyl Alcohol); Perioral Dermatitis (Petrolatum)
Lancôme Rénergie Multi-Lift Night Cream 50ml is a peptide serum by Lancôme. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Alcohol.
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Estée Lauder
Moisturizer
$57.1550ml · $1.14/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Linoleic Acid, Isopropyl Myristate and Stearyl Alcohol); Perioral Dermatitis (Isopropyl Myristate and Fragrance); Psoriasis (Fragrance); Melasma (Fragrance)
Estée Lauder
Moisturizer
$57.1550ml · $1.14/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Linoleic Acid, Isopropyl Myristate and Stearyl Alcohol); Perioral Dermatitis (Isopropyl Myristate and Fragrance); Psoriasis (Fragrance); Melasma (Fragrance)
Estée Lauder DayWear Sheer Tint Release Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Moisturizer SPF15 50ml is a spf moisturiser by Estée Lauder. Key ingredients include Octinoxate, Octisalate, Dimethicone.
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ELEMIS
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream (50ml)
Moisturizer – for Dryness
$145.0050ml · $2.90/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cetyl Alcohol and Shea Butter); Perioral Dermatitis (Fragrance); Psoriasis (Fragrance); Melasma (Fragrance)
ELEMIS
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream (50ml)
Moisturizer – for Dryness
$145.0050ml · $2.90/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cetyl Alcohol and Shea Butter); Perioral Dermatitis (Fragrance); Psoriasis (Fragrance); Melasma (Fragrance)
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream (50ml) is a antioxidant serum by ELEMIS. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate SE.
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Omorovicza
Omorovicza Illuminating Moisturiser (50ml)
Moisturizer
$120.6550ml · $2.41/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Jojoba Oil and Cetearyl Alcohol); Perioral Dermatitis (Fragrance); Psoriasis (Fragrance); Melasma (Fragrance)
Omorovicza
Omorovicza Illuminating Moisturiser (50ml)
Moisturizer
$120.6550ml · $2.41/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Jojoba Oil and Cetearyl Alcohol); Perioral Dermatitis (Fragrance); Psoriasis (Fragrance); Melasma (Fragrance)
Omorovicza Illuminating Moisturiser (50ml) is a antioxidant serum by Omorovicza. Key ingredients include Water, Glycerin, Jojoba Oil.
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Kiehl's Since 1851
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream (Various Sizes)
Moisturizer
$78.0028ml · $2.79/ml
Ideal for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Stearyl Alcohol, Myristyl Myristate, Glyceryl Stearate, Palmitic Acid and Myristic Acid); Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema (Salicylic Acid)
Kiehl's Since 1851
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream (Various Sizes)
Moisturizer
$78.0028ml · $2.79/ml
Ideal for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Stearyl Alcohol, Myristyl Myristate, Glyceryl Stearate, Palmitic Acid and Myristic Acid); Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema (Salicylic Acid)
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream (Various Sizes) is a exfoliant by Kiehl's Since 1851. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Squalane, Stearyl Alcohol.
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La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser (Various Sizes)
Cleanser
$17.99
Ideal for
La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser (Various Sizes)
Cleanser
$17.99
Ideal for
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser (Various Sizes) is a water cleanser by La Roche-Posay. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Propanediol, Sodium Hydroxide.
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Set up your skin profileEducational information, not medical advice. Study findings summarise the cited research and may not reflect every formulation.