Glycerin (Glycerol)

The Moisture Magnet

Glycerin is a humectant, meaning it attracts water molecules from the surrounding environment and from the deeper layers of the skin, pulling them toward the skin's surface. It is one of the most studied humectants in cosmetic science, with decades of research confirming its ability to improve skin hydration, support barrier function, and enhance the skin's natural repair processes.

Applied to the skin, glycerin integrates into the stratum corneum (the outer skin layer) and increases its water-holding capacity. Studies have shown that glycerin-treated skin maintains higher moisture levels for 24 hours or more after a single application. It also has a mild keratolytic effect, meaning it helps promote the orderly shedding of dead skin cells, contributing to smoother skin texture.

Sources

Glycerin occurs naturally in all fats and oils as the backbone of triglyceride molecules. Vegetable glycerin is produced during the saponification (soap-making) process or through hydrolysis of vegetable oils like coconut, palm, or soy. Animal-derived glycerin comes from tallow. Synthetic glycerin is produced from petroleum-derived propylene. For skincare applications, vegetable glycerin is most commonly used.

Glycerin vs. Honey as Humectants

Both glycerin and honey are effective humectants, but they deliver moisture differently. Glycerin works primarily through hydrogen bonding with water molecules. Honey combines humectant properties with enzymatic activity, antimicrobial protection, and a complex array of nutrients. In water-based formulations, glycerin is the standard humectant. In water-free formulations like ours, the natural humectant properties of beeswax, honey compounds, and the oils themselves provide moisture attraction without adding a separate humectant ingredient.