What concentration of Glycerin is effective?

Typical effective concentrations of Glycerin are 1–3% minimum effective, 10% optimal for most formulations, 20–40% for severely dry skin conditions.

What skin types is Glycerin suitable for?

Glycerin is suitable for all skin types, dry skin, sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, mature skin.

The Skin Formulary

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Researched by Helena DeMaria-Williams

Formula IngredientHumectant

Glycerin

Q: Can Glycerin cause skin irritation?

Glycerin has a low irritation risk. Irritancy rating of 0 — one of the least irritating cosmetic ingredients. No known Annex II or III restrictions in EU CosIng. Pure undiluted glycerin (99.7%) should be avoided as it may draw water from deeper skin layers, but at typical cosmetic concentrations it is well tolerated by all skin types.

Q: Is Glycerin safe to use during pregnancy?

Glycerin is rated "safe" for pregnancy use. Glycerin is a skin-identical ingredient with a well-established safety record. It is widely considered safe during pregnancy. No reproductive or developmental concerns are noted in available safety data.

Q: Does Glycerin increase sun sensitivity?

Glycerin has a no sun sensitivity risk. Glycerin does not increase photosensitivity. No special sun protection measures are required when using glycerin-containing products.

INCI: Glycerin

Glycerin (also known as glycerol) is a naturally occurring polyhydric alcohol found in the outermost layer of human skin. It works as a powerful humectant by drawing water from the environment and deeper skin layers into the stratum corneum, and also helps maintain healthy cell membranes and intracellular lipids. It has been used safely in cosmetics for over 50 years.

What does this do in a formula?

moisturisation, skin barrier repair, protection against irritation, normalising skin shedding, hydration

Is Glycerin safe? Key considerations

Can Glycerin cause irritation?

Low Risk

Irritancy rating of 0 — one of the least irritating cosmetic ingredients. No known Annex II or III restrictions in EU CosIng. Pure undiluted glycerin (99.7%) should be avoided as it may draw water from deeper skin layers, but at typical cosmetic concentrations it is well tolerated by all skin types.

Does Glycerin increase sun sensitivity?

No Risk

Glycerin does not increase photosensitivity. No special sun protection measures are required when using glycerin-containing products.

Is Glycerin safe during pregnancy?

Safe

Glycerin is a skin-identical ingredient with a well-established safety record. It is widely considered safe during pregnancy. No reproductive or developmental concerns are noted in available safety data.

Glycerin

What does this do in a formula?

Is Glycerin safe? Key considerations

Can Glycerin cause irritation?

Does Glycerin increase sun sensitivity?

Is Glycerin safe during pregnancy?

How does Glycerin work?

Which products contain Glycerin?

Bio-Active Ceramide Moisturiser

Starter Retinol Serum

Advanced 0.2% Retinal Serum

Exosome Glow Serum

Caffeine Eye Cream

Omega Water Cream

Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Dewy Sunscreen SPF 30

Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Supersize Salicylic Acid Cleanser

360° Skin Clearing Serum

Supersize Omega Water Cream

Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum

15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum

Milk Cleanser

10% Niacinamide Serum

Salicylic Acid Cleanser

Supersize Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Hydrating Face Mist

Collagen Peptide Serum

Biome Balancing Moisturiser

1% Retinol Serum

Glycerin Gentle Purifying Cleanser

Retinol Serum

PHA Body Water Cream

Succinic Acid Treatment

Glycolic Acid Toner

Brighten-i Eye Cream

Peptide Moisturiser

Retinol Eye Cream

Blemish Clearing Moisturiser with 2% Novoretin

Polyglutamic Acid Serum

Vitamin B, C and E Moisturiser

Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Serum

Fulvic Acid Cleanser

PHA Toner

10% Azelaic Acid Serum for Redness Relief

Tranexamic Acid Serum

C-50 Blemish Night Treatment

20% Niacinamide Serum

10% Urea Moisturiser

Oily Skin Cleanser

Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser

PRO Redness Prone Skin Cleansing Facial Wash

PRO Itch Prone Skin Body Wash

Gentle Clear Triple Action Blemish Serum

Gentle Skin Cleanser

Gentle Exfoliating Salicylic Acid Cleanser, For Face & Body

Gentle Clear Clarifying Cream Cleanser

Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser

Soothing Foam Wash

Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)

Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner

Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum

Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm

Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum

Matrixyl 10% + HA

Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum

Squalane Cleanser

Glucoside Foaming Cleanser

UV Filters SPF 45 Serum

Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides

Multi-Peptide Eye Serum

Multi-Peptide + HA Serum

Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan

Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum

GF 15% Solution

AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion

Sulfur 10% Powder-to-Cream Concentrate

Soothing & Barrier Support Serum