When thinking of skin hydration your sk-intellectual mind probably goes straight to {hyaluronic acid}. But that’s not the only moisture booster you should have in your {skin care} repertoire. More than likely you already have products infused with this humectant but let’s get into the nitty gritty of this skin-replenishing ingredient. 

FIRST UP — WHAT IS GLYCERIN?

Glycerin, otherwise known as glycerol, is a humectant found in the fat of animals and plants. By humectant we mean that it prevents moisture loss which is a winner-winner –chicken-dinner for keeping a nourished, radiant complexion. Most skin care however uses manufactured hydrolysed glycerin, meaning it’s much more purified (and therefore more potent.)  

HOW DOES GLYCERIN WORK?

Simply put, glycerin attracts moisture from the air into the stratum corneum (top layer of skin). It has a super low molecular weight (90g/mol) meaning it can be absorbed deep into the dermis and deliver serious hydration where you need it most. As it’s quite potent,glycerin is usually infused with other occlusives (ingredients that ward against moisture loss — they’re like an overcoat for your complexion) and works to stabilise other ingredients or to increase their hydrating powers.