Ingredient · INCI listed
Glycerin
Glycerin is the most widely used humectant in skincare — a simple sugar alcohol that pulls water into the stratum corneum and is tolerated by virtually every skin type. It's the quiet workhorse in almost every cleanser, toner, serum, and moisturizer.
Evidence — Well-established
Data summary
Products containing
48
Most common in
12 products
moisturizers
Typical pairing
Hyaluronic Acid
Evidence level
Well-established. Decades of safety and efficacy data across cosmetic and pharmaceutical use. Most effective when paired with an occlusive (cream, oil, or petrolatum) that prevents the drawn-in moisture from evaporating back out. Rarely the hero active, but often the foundation on which hero actives depend.
Verified reviewer
Where it shows up
