Glycerin is one of the most quietly dependable ingredients in skincare. It appears in cleansers, serums and balms across the iS Clinical range, where it helps skin hold on to water so that it looks and feels hydrated, soft and comfortable.
What is glycerin?
Glycerin, also known as glycerol, is a small, clear and odourless molecule that belongs to a group of ingredients called humectants. Humectants attract water and help keep it where skin needs it most: in its upper, surface layers. The glycerin used in skincare is either plant-derived, usually from vegetable oils, or produced synthetically to a consistent, high purity. Once refined, both are the same molecule.
Glycerin is also found naturally in the skin, where it forms part of the skin's own system for staying hydrated. This familiarity is one reason it sits so comfortably within a formula.
How glycerin supports hydrated, comfortable skin
By drawing water into the outermost layers of the skin, glycerin helps skin look smoother and feel softer and more supple. Skin that feels tight after cleansing, or rough on cold and windy days, can feel noticeably more comfortable when its surface is well hydrated.
Glycerin also helps support the skin's moisture barrier, the outer layer that keeps water in and everyday irritants out. A well-hydrated barrier tends to look calmer and more even, and is better able to hold on to moisture throughout the day. This is why glycerin is so often found in cleansers: it helps offset the dry, stripped feeling that washing can leave behind.
Why glycerin works well with other hydrators
Glycerin rarely works alone, and it is not meant to. As a very small molecule, it complements larger humectants such as hyaluronic acid, which holds water in a different way at the skin's surface. Used together, they offer layered hydration rather than a single source. You can read more in our guide to hyaluronic acid.
Humectants draw water in; emollients and nourishing lipids help keep it there. That is why glycerin is often paired with ingredients such as squalane, shea butter and ceramides, which soften the skin and help limit the loss of moisture from its surface. The result is a formula that feels balanced: hydrating without heaviness, and nourishing without a greasy finish.
Who is glycerin suitable for?
Glycerin is generally well suited to most skin types. Dry and dehydrated skin often appreciates the extra hydration most, while oily and combination skin can enjoy its comfort without a heavy feel. It is also a considerate choice for skin that feels easily upset by harsh cleansing or changes in the weather. As with any new product, introduce it gradually and patch test first if your skin tends to react.
iS Clinical products containing glycerin
In the cleansing step, you will find glycerin in Cream Cleanser, Warming Honey Cleanser and Cleansing Complex Polish, where it helps skin feel soft and comfortable rather than tight after washing. It also features in Brightening Complex, and in SHEALD Recovery Balm, a rich balm for skin that feels dry and in need of comfort.
Discover how glycerin fits into your routine and explore the full iS Clinical glycerin collection.
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