What is Glycerin? 7 Glycerin Skin Benefits

Glycerin is used in most skin care products and is the top used ingredient only after water and fragrance, which means it’s likely you have used it already. Glycerin is commonly used in:
- Face and eye creams
- Face cleansers 
- Face toners
- Body wash
- Shaving creams and gels
- Sunscreen 
- Lip care

Glycerin is known as a ‘humectant’, due to its strong ability to draw water from the nearest source, such as the air or the deeper layers of the skin, to the outer layer of the skin. It is widely considered one of the best humectants, allowing more hydration of the skin than even Hyaluronic Acid, which it is commonly paired with. A combination which has been reported to improve the skin barrier for up to 24hours after application.

Another ingredient Glycerin will often be paired with is known as an ‘occlusive’, which helps seal in the moisture that Glycerin has attracted. 

Yes, Glycerin is good for the skin and is safe to use every day, when included as an ingredient in a blended product. As it mimics the skin's natural moisture, it is very hydrating, and leaves the skin looking smooth, fresh and dewy – whilst also feeling lightweight on the skin.

Glycerin is present in most NIVEA products.

Glycerin has many benefits for skin including:

1. Improving the skin’s ability to retain water, preventing it from drying out. 
2. Smooths the skin.
3. Improves the skin's protective barrier.
4. As it locks in moisture, it also protects the skin from irritants and harsh weather, such as intense cold or dry air.
5. Accelerate wound-healing.
6. Natural exfoliating 
7. It has been reported to help with certain skin conditions. However, unless otherwise stated, NIVEA products aren’t formulated to help with specific medical skin conditions. 

As Glycerin is hydrating but non-comedogenic, it is beneficial for every skin type. See the Glycerin benefits for different skin types below:

1. Dry skin: Glycerin is particularly useful for dry skin, due to its main property being hydrating. Also, as it provides protection for the skin and maintains moisture in the skin, it stops the skin from getting cracked, especially in the winter months.

2. Oily skin: It’s important to still moisturise oily skin, as not doing so may result in your skin over-producing oil or sebum to compensate. As Glycerin is not only moisturising but non-comedogenic, it doesn’t clog pores, making it perfect for oily skin.

3. Combination skin: Glycerin works well with both dry and oily skin, making it effective for those who suffer with both, known as combination skin.

4. Sensitive skin: Glycerin hydrates the skin but has also been reported to have a calming sensation on the skin, making it a good option for those with sensitive skin. Also, as it protects the skins moisture barrier, it can further protect from irritants.

As Glycerin is incredibly hydrating and has rejuvenating properties, it is the perfect ingredient to help support your skin during the aging process, especially as our skin generally gets dryer as we get older. In particular, eye wrinkles can form as the skin around our eyes is so thin. Using an eye cream with Glycerin, such as the NIVEA Cellular Filler, can help with this.


A skin routine including Glycerin, can keep the skin looking healthy, supple and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Find Glycerin as a top ingredient in our Cellular Filler range.

Glycerin is a safe ingredient when used in lower doses, and usually as part of a blended ingredient in skincare. We would never recommend applying a 100% pure Glycerin to the skin, as it could cause irritation and is especially harmful if it gets in your eyes. 

Like with any ingredient or new product, we would recommend testing a little on the skin before applying it over a large area in one go, and if any issues do occur, ensure to wash it off immediately.

In addition to being a humectant for the skin, Glycerin is used as a:

- A way to treat constipation by drawing moisture to the bowels.
- In pharmaceuticals
- Agent for thickening
- Agent for sweetening
- As a preservative