Should You Add Glycerin to Your Skincare Routine?

Keeping your skin hydrated and moisturized is a crucial step in your skincare routine. Several factors, such as showering under hot water or over-exfoliating your skin, can strip away your skin's natural oils and lead to dryness, in addition to environmental conditions and skin sensitivity.

While many skincare ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, are known for their replenishing and hydrating qualities, an underrated moisturizing agent everyone should know about is glycerin.

Glycerin is a humectant, which is a moisturizing ingredient that hydrates and smooths your skin. When you apply glycerin onto your face, it draws the moisture from the environment or the dermis—the inner layer of skin—into the top layer of your skin, resulting in a dewy and healthy-looking complexion. 

Additionally, this natural ingredient is primarily derived from vegetables. 

1. It acts as a barrier against harsh products. 

Glycerin protects your skin from irritants by acting as a natural barrier, as well as restores your skin’s elasticity and natural oils. 

2. It provides long-lasting moisture. 

You may already be incorporating glycerin into your skincare routine with your go-to beauty products. Glycerin is a natural compound that is often used as a key ingredient in serums and lotions. Humectants like glycerin are often blended with occlusives, which is another agent that helps prevent the loss of moisture in your skin. 

3. It is generally safe for all skin types. 

Unlike other moisturizing agents that have potential side effects, glycerin is a generally safe ingredient that can be used on normal, combination, dry, and oily skin.