Glycerin: The Underrated Humectant in Your Moisturiser

June 26, 2026

Hyaluronic acid gets the attention, but glycerin, also called glycerol, is quietly one of the most reliable hydrating ingredients in skincare. Here is why.

What glycerin is

Glycerin is a humectant, meaning it attracts and holds water. It has been used in skin preparations for a very long time, and your skin also contains glycerol naturally.

What the research says

A review in the British Journal of Dermatology describes how glycerol plays a role in skin hydration, cutaneous elasticity and epidermal barrier repair, and outlines the pathways involved in delivering it within the skin (Fluhr et al., 2008, PMID 18510666). In other words, glycerin is not just a filler ingredient, it has a genuine role in keeping skin hydrated and comfortable.

How to use it

Glycerin appears in most moisturisers, so you are probably already using it.
It works well layered under a richer cream that helps hold moisture in.
It suits most skin types, including sensitive skin, as it is generally well tolerated.

At Verdo we stock the Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream and the Medik8 Hydr8 B5 hydrating serum.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. The studies cited are from peer-reviewed journals and are provided for educational context. Individual results vary. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional or dermatologist before changing your routine. Verdo Cosmetics makes no therapeutic claims about the products or services mentioned.

Frequently asked questions

What does glycerin do in skincare?

Glycerin (glycerol) is a humectant that attracts and holds water. A review describes its role in skin hydration, elasticity and barrier repair (Fluhr et al., 2008), so it is a genuine hydrating ingredient rather than a filler.

Is glycerin better than hyaluronic acid?

They are both humectants and work well together. Glycerin is well established and well tolerated; hyaluronic acid is another popular humectant. Many moisturisers use both.

Is glycerin good for sensitive skin?

Glycerin is generally well tolerated and suits most skin types, including sensitive skin, which is part of why it appears in so many moisturisers.

How should I use glycerin?

It is already in most moisturisers. It works well layered under a richer cream that helps seal moisture into the skin.

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