Category: Humectant
Benefits: Smooths the skin’s surface, reducing dry, rough patches. Improves hydration for a brighter, more youthful complexion.
Who it's for: Suitable for all skin types, especially dry, dehydrated and sensitive types.
Find it in: Endless Moisturiser, Timeless Moisturiser, Illume Serum, Hydrate Serum, Renew Serum
Glycerin (also known as glycerol) is a skin-identical ingredient that is naturally found in human skin. Classed as a humectant, glycerin is widely used in skincare products for its hydrating and moisturising properties. A 2016 study found glycerin to be the most effective humectant for increasing skin hydration compared with other natural moisturising factors (NMFs) such as ceramides, AHAs, and hyaluronic acid.
Humectants work by attracting and binding to water within the skin. Glycerin draws water from the environment into the skin's outer layers to restore and maintain hydration. Properly hydrated skin appears plumper and firmer and can visibly improve fine lines and wrinkles. Maintaining optimal hydration supports the skin barrier and reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which leads to skin dehydration.
Glycerin is an excellent ingredient for sensitive or reactive skin types because it possesses emollient properties that aid in soothing irritation and redness. Emollients form a protective layer on the skin's surface, fortifying the skin barrier, which is the body's natural shield against external aggressors such as pollutants, UV rays, and harsh weather conditions.
Lastly, glycerin can maximise the benefits of a skincare product by enhancing the efficacy of key ingredients by carrying them into the skin without feeling heavy or oily.
The glycerin in Krī Skincare’s water-based serums and moisturisers is certified organic and derived from rapeseed oil.
Sethi A, Kaur T, Malhotra SK, Gambhir ML. Moisturizers: The Slippery Road. Indian J Dermatol. 2016 May-Jun;61(3):279-87. doi: 10.4103/0019-5154.182427. PMID: 27293248; PMCID: PMC4885180.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4885180/
Fluhr JW, Darlenski R, Surber C. Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions. Br J Dermatol. 2008 Jul;159(1):23-34. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2008.08643.x. Epub 2008 Jul 1. PMID: 18510666.