Glycerin Skin-Care Products for Immediate Hydration
Parched, dry skin is basically a given during the colder months, but this concern can pop up at any time of the year. So when your face, hands, and other spots feel a bit tight or chapped, it's time to break out the hydrating big guns: the best glycerin products for skin.
Wait… not hyaluronic acid?, you may be thinking. Though that skin-care heavyweight is often touted as the skin-care equivalent of a glass of water for your pores, glycerin is another highly effective moisturizing agent that's not one to miss.
New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner, M.D., previously told ishonest that moisturizing products typically contain three types of ingredients: occlusives, emollients, and humectants. Like its trendy counterpart, hyaluronic acid, glycerin falls in the latter category, and both hydrate skin by attracting water to themselves like a skin-care magnet.
"Glycerin is like a sponge that pulls water to the outer skin layer," Dr. Zeichner explained. "It can attract water from the deeper layers or even the air in humid environments."
Because glycerin attracts water to itself, using glycerin-enhanced products can leave your skin with an "overall moisturized and smoothed effect," according to Erin Gilbert, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. In short, it's one of the most hydrating skin-care ingredients out there.
Glycerin is also especially effective on your most stubborn rough spots, like calluses. "Glycerin can actually signal your superficial skin cells to mature more rapidly," Dr. Gilbert says. This speeds up cellular turnover, allowing your skin to shed dead and damaged surface cells at a faster rate. Translation: It's a fast track to soft skin.
Now that you've gotten the lowdown on glycerin's moisturizing properties, it's time to put your knowledge to use. Below are just a few of the many skin-care products that feature this hydrating hero — check them out, and be prepared for your dewiest, smoothest skin yet.
Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair Body Lotion
For a simple product that packs a major moisture punch, Dr. Zeichner recommends Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair Lotion. It's fragrance-free, lightweight, and laced with hydrating glycerin to soothe dry and itchy skin.
Neutrogena The Transparent Facial Bar
For sensitive skin types that need a milder face wash, Dr. Zeichner suggests The Transparent Facial Bar by Neutrogena, which gently cleanses skin while glycerin works its hydrating wonders.
Raw + Rare Vegetable Glycerin
If you want to go directly to the source, Dr. Gilbert says that glycerin can even be used as a moisturizer on its own. Just apply it as the last step of your routine as you would with most moisturizers, et voilá. Raw + Rare's Vegetable Glycerin comes in a 32-ounce bottle, so it'll last longer than smaller jars of creams. Plus it's less than $20, so just think about the cost-per-use on this guy.
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream
Rather stick to a tried-and-true moisturizer? Dr. Gilbert suggests using her favorite, the Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream. This rich cocktail of humectants, emollients, and occlusives features hydrating glycerin and panthenol, plus anti- inflammatory niacinamide.
Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Brightening Skin Corrector
Here's another Dr. Gilbert recommendation, the Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Brightening Skin Corrector, that packs a lot more benefits than just hydration. This serum tag-teams glycerin with hyaluronic acid and brightening vitamin C to manifest your dewiest, most radiant complexion.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment
Dermatologists aren't the only fans of glycerin-infused skin care: It's also an ishonest-favorite ingredient that can be found in countless Best of Beauty Award- winning products. One soothing skin-care product that seems to get our editors' seal of approval time and time again is the Aquaphor Healing Ointment. In combination with glycerin, this wonder-worker for dry skin contains 41 percent petrolatum, also known as petroleum jelly, which calms redness and softens skin.
Paula's Choice Water-Infusing Electrolyte Moisturizer
Once you're ready to finish off your daily skin-care routine, slather on Paula's Choice Water-Infusing Electrolyte Moisturizer. This lightweight cream bathes your skin in glycerin and moisture-sealing ceramides while a blend of antioxidant-rich botanicals — like kiwi, coffee, apple, and wild cherry extracts — work their magic to brighten any dullness.
Glossier Soothing Face Mist
Spritz on this concoction of hydrating essentials when your skin could use a midday pick-me-up. Within Glossier's Soothing Face Mist, you'll find a trifecta of moisture-retaining ingredients: glycerin, aloe vera, and soothing rosewater.
Exuviance Targeted Lip Filler
If your lips are dry and chapped and need some extra TLC, reach for Exuviance's Targeted Lip Filler. This glycerin-infused treatment delivers a dose of hydration for a softer, smoother look and feel. It also contains peptides, which are known for boosting collagen production and firming skin.
Aveeno Calm + Restore Triple Oat Serum
Sensitive skin types: Beeline to the Aveeno Calm + Restore Triple Oat Serum to soothe any irritation and redness flare-ups. The under-$20 price tag is already exciting enough, but it's what's on the inside that counts — namely, glycerin and calming colloidal oatmeal.
Fenty Skin Hydra'Reset Intensive Recovery Hand Mask
Need another reason to hop on the glycerin bandwagon? Here's one: It's officially Rihanna-approved. The main ingredient of Fenty Skin's latest launch, the Hydra’Reset Intensive Recovery Hand Mask, is (you guessed it) glycerin. This overnight hand mask also calls in help from panthenol for its conditioning and soothing properties, plus sorrel and Kalahari melon oils for added moisture.
Hanni Shave Pillow
If it's a shave day, don't forget to grab Hanni's Shave Pillow shaving cream to keep nicks, cuts, and skin dryness at bay. This glycerin-rich shave cream creates a plush, foamy barrier to protect your delicate skin, while creating a smooth, effortless glide for your razor. Its formula also contains anti- inflammatory adaptogenic mushrooms and moisturizing cactus water for smooth, razor burn-free skin.
La Roche-Posay Redermic R Retinol Eye Cream
Of course, let's not forget about the delicate skin under your eyes. Your undereye area needs extra care to prevent concerns like dark circles and sagging, so treat it to this intensive drugstore eye cream. The retinol-cream-serum/?slide=9' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' >La Roche-Posay Redermic R Retinol Eye Cream is laced with an especially powerful cocktail of retinol, a fine line-reducing superhero ingredient, along with brightening caffeine to reduce the look of dark circles. But don't expect any irritation or sensitivity, because this gentle moisturizer soothes and hydrates your skin with — you guessed it — glycerin.
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream
Skin that's begging for a hefty dose of moisture should indulge in the iconic Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream. This lightweight, fragrance-free moisturizer is popular for its intensely hydrating effects, thanks to a mix of glycerin and squalane.
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