We love matte makeup, but when it comes to our skin, we'd rather have a dewy and hydrated finish. While that can be easy to achieve during the warmer months, winter dryness can make your skin feel like sandpaper. If the drop in temperature and humidity is keeping your complexion from looking its most radiant, then allow us to introduce you to a moisturizing godsend for your pores: glycerin.
What Is Glycerin?
According to Dr. Naissan O. Wesley, author, Arbonne Scientific Advisor, and world-renowned aesthetic and surgical dermatologist, glycerin is a clear, colorless, syrupy liquid derived from animal fat, petrol, or plant/vegetable oils. But don't fear, vegans: Wesley notes that the most-used form of glycerin in the beauty industry is plant-based.
“Vegetable and plant glycerin, most often used in skincare, is produced from heating the vegetable fat under pressure or with an alkali substance,” she says.
How Does Glycerin Benefit Our Skin?
Glycerin is great for drier skin types as a hydrating pick-me-up. But according to Wesley, there's much more to this underrated ingredient than moisture.
"[Glycerin] is a small molecule that when applied topically on skin has some absorption that provides humectant and skin protection properties," she says. "In other words, it helps to provide moisturization, helps protect the skin’s natural barrier, and also has some antimicrobial properties to help ward off bacteria and infection."
Should You Use Glycerin in Your Skincare Routine?
Skincare ingredients can react so differently to each person's skin type, so before we put anything on our face, we always ask ourselves if it will actually work — or cause more harm than good. Well, we have good news: Wesley notes that glycerin is actually pretty versatile and useful for most skin types (even for the sensitive folks!).
“Glycerin is usually well-tolerated by all skin types,” she says. “In the right formulation, it shouldn’t clog pores and may also be used in acne-prone skin. It is especially useful in those with dry, sensitive skin or normal skin for daily skincare. It is also found in some wound care products.”
Our Favorite Glycerin Skincare Products
Glycerin is a common, widely used skincare ingredient, and it can be found in tons of your favorite pore-refining goodies. Below, we've highlighted some of our favorites:
Aquaphor Aquaphor Healing Ointment
This tried-and-true ointment is perfect for healing ultra dry and cracked skin, especially in the winter.
The Ordinary The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
As an added bonus to glycerin, this moisturizing godsend also includes lipids and hyaluronic acid for the ultimate hydration boost.
Renée Rouleau Skin Recovery Lotion
This oil-free lotion is packed with glycerin to pamper and quench your pores without causing any irritation or breakouts.
Naturopathica Naturopathica Manuka Honey Cleansing Balm
Cleanse your skin without over-stripping it of your natural oils with this cleansing balm, which includes glycerin and another hydrating must-have: manuka honey.
Paula's Choice Paula's Choice Super Hydrate Overnight Mask
Dewy skin is as easy as sleeping with this overnight mask. It's infused with glycerin and shea butter to plump and hydrate your skin while you catch up on your beauty sleep.
Glossier Glossier Soothing Face Mist
Drunk Elephant Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum
Serums are a great addition to your skincare routine to target any issues that you're having. If your main skin situation is dryness, we recommend this glycerin and ceramide-infused serum.
Youth To The People Youth to the People Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser
Get a deeper clean without feeling dry afterwards with this superfood-infused cleanser. Along with glycerin, it's filled with skincare goodies like vitamin-rich kale, conditioning spinach, and antioxidant-packed green tea extract.
Read More:
Listen Up: Here's Why You Need African Black Soap in Your Skincare Routine
The Benefits of Niacinamide, and Why You Need Some on Your Skin ASAP
The Best Anti-Aging Serums, According to Skin Experts
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Jennifer is the former beauty editor for BestProducts.com, where she’s testing out everything from the latest lip gloss to the craziest skincare trend sweeping the online beauty-verse. Her work has been featured in Allure, Byrdie, HelloGiggles, and more. When she’s not swatching eyeshadow all over her arms, you can find the NYC-based editor scouring for hours on end for vintage finds, eating pad thai, and hanging out with her cat, Chunks.
