Glycerin, or glycerol , is an essential ingredient in skincare: it's included in cosmetic formulations for its exceptional moisturizing properties . But what are its side effects on the face? Is it really safe to apply glycerin ? Nooance deciphers the composition of your beauty products and guides you toward using glycerin safely .
Is glycerin dangerous for the skin?
When used topically, vegetable glycerin is a safe and very well-tolerated ingredient. Its safety has been proven by scientific studies and validated by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review, an organization that assesses the safety of cosmetic product formulations.
The real danger of glycerin stems primarily from misuse of the active ingredient : unsuitable formulation, overdose, incorrect use, oral absorption.
What is glycerol?
Vegetable glycerin is a star ingredient in cosmetics thanks to its role as a humectant: it captures water and helps the skin stay hydrated.
But its quality depends directly on its origin:
- Vegetable glycerin : extracted from palm oil, coconut oil or soybean oil, it is the most used in skin care , as it effectively supports the skin barrier and is even suitable for sensitive skin.
- Animal-derived glycerin : derived from animal fats, it is now uncommon.
- Synthetic glycerin : it is manufactured in a laboratory from petrochemical derivatives. As it is a less natural version, it is considered to be of lower quality.
At Nooance-Paris, skin hydration is at the heart of our treatments and involves choosing a high-end vegetable glycerin that is safe and effective on all skin types, even the most demanding.
Glycerin: Are the dangers real?
Between bad reputation and scientific data, Nooance takes stock of the negative effects of glycerin-based skincare products.
Is glycerin comedogenic?
Glycerin is non-comedogenic : it doesn't clog pores and is even suitable for oily skin. On the contrary, it helps regulate skin hydration by strengthening the skin's natural balance. To better understand its benefits, simply understand the role of humectants like hyaluronic acid : these active ingredients attract and retain water, keeping the skin barrier supple, protected, and balanced.
Can glycerin dry out the skin?
It's a hygroscopic active ingredient , meaning it attracts water. Used at very high concentrations (above 20%) and in extremely dry environments, it could draw water from the dermis and bring it back to the epidermis, creating a feeling of dryness. However, today it's always combined with emollients in cosmetics, which prevent this side effect and ensure proper hydration.
Is there a risk of allergy?
Glycerol allergies are very rare in dermatology, as it is a molecule naturally present in the human body. To avoid an allergic reaction, it is recommended to use it exclusively as a skincare additive and in high-quality pharmaceutical products.
How to effectively hydrate your skin using glycerin?
Here are some beauty tips to achieve visible results and deeply hydrated skin.
Choose a formula that suits your skin type
- Dry to very dry skin : for nourished and supple skin, opt for moisturizing creams with rich formulas, combined with ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier .
###Multi-active hydrating and plumping serum with 5 hyaluronic acids###
- For combination to oily skin : opt for light and fluid textures such as a glycerin-based serum.
Oily skin that is well hydrated regains its natural balance: by providing the water it needs thanks to a hydrating active ingredient like glycerin, it produces less sebum , becomes more comfortable and limits shine.
###clarifying-treatment###
- Sensitive and reactive skin : thanks to its soothing and repairing action, glycerin helps to strengthen the skin barrier and better protect the skin against external aggressions.
###soothing-regenerating-hydrating-bubbles-serum###
Combining powerful assets
Your skincare routine is your best ally for beautiful skin: combine the benefits of glycerin with the intense hydration of hyaluronic acid, the anti-aging effect of retinol, or the rejuvenating properties of a light therapy mask.
Hyaluronic acid
This is a highly effective synergy for skin hydration : glycerin, a small molecule, penetrates deep into the skin to attract water to the lower layers of the epidermis. Meanwhile, hyaluronic acid, a larger molecule, remains primarily on the surface to create a protective moisturizing film. Together, these active ingredients ensure complete hydration, strengthening the skin barrier and improving the skin's elasticity.
Retinol and exfoliating acids
Powerful active ingredients like retinol and exfoliating acids (AHAs, BHAs) are excellent allies in combating the signs of aging and accelerating cell regeneration . They can sometimes be irritating, especially on sensitive skin.
But this is not the case when they are combined with vegetable glycerin: it limits the drying effects and maintains the comfort of the skin while allowing these active ingredients to fully play their role in cell renewal and skin texture.
LED face mask
Glycerin is one of the key ingredients in our Beauty Tech cosmetic products . By improving skin hydration, we allow LED light to penetrate the upper layers of the epidermis more effectively, thus amplifying the effects of photobiomodulation . The result is soft, deeply nourished, and visibly rejuvenated skin.
