Take a look at the back of your skincare products and we guarantee glycerin is somewhere on the ingredient list. "Glycerin, also known as glycerol, is nothing new," says Snehal Amin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist of MDCS Dermatology. "It's usually the third most common ingredient in skincare products, so you've already used it."
Glycerin is a clear, odorless liquid that has the consistency of syrup, says Dr. Amin. It can come from animal or plant fats, or even petroleum. In skincare, glycerin is a humectant because it works by drawing and retaining moisture to keep the skin hydrated.
"The syrup-like substance mixes easily in water and attracts water from deep in the skin and the air," says Dr. Amin. Humectants are an important part of keeping the skin hydrated, which is why you'll find glycerin in products such as moisturizers, serums, or even mild cleansers that won't strip the skin.
Read the full article: https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/skincare/glycerin-skin-benefits
