Why Glycerin Is Your Skin’s New BFF

A moisturizer is a moisturizer, right? Actually, not so much. While there are endless hydration possibilities out there, when it comes to dermatologist-approved ingredients for immediate and long-lasting skin softening benefits, there's one superstar at the top of the list: glycerin.

Unlike classic emollients that literally coat the skin, creating a barrier that helps lock in water, glycerin is a humectant that attracts it from deep within, luring it to the surface — plus from the air — creating a 360-degree moisturizing love fest. That’s why you can find it in just about everything in your beauty arsenal — from face and body washes, to creams, hair conditioners, and even makeup.

“Glycerin has excellent moisturizing capabilities, so it’s ideal to prevent excessive dryness,” says Jeannette Graf, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center. Know what that means? Healthy, hydrated skin is radiant and flawless, too. Check out our Periodic Table of Beauty Elements to find out even more reasons we heart glycerin (and other skin-loving ingredients) — and, here, find a slew of skin care staples that contain it, so that you can make it part of your get-gorgeous regimen, stat.