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15 Best Glycerin Skincare Products for Youthful, Glowing Skin

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Photo by Tanja Ivanova/Getty Images

As a beauty enthusiast, we’ve always sought out skincare products that deliver exceptional results. After countless skincare trials for ultimate hydration, one ingredient has consistently stood out—glycerin. Its remarkable benefits for the skin have been astounding, and we can't help but share our findings with you.

Firstly, glycerin acts as a natural humectant, attracting and locking in moisture from the environment and delivering it to your skin. “It is commonly used in moisturizers and is part of the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF),” explains skin expert Tracey Beeby. This unique quality makes it an unrivaled hydrating agent, providing a plumping effect that leaves your skin soft, supple, and visibly youthful.

By bolstering your skin's natural moisture barrier, glycerin is vital in improving hydration and moisture retention. “It forms a protective shield on the skin's surface, preventing water loss and ensuring prolonged moisturization,” says Beeby. Say goodbye to dry irritated skin and hello to a complexion that glows with vitality.

Furthermore, glycerin's humectant properties make it an ideal choice for all skin types. Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, glycerin adapts to your skin's needs, providing customized hydration without clogging pores. “Glycerin effectively helps reduce skin irritation that arises from dehydrated skin,” says Beeby. Even individuals with sensitive or acne-prone skin can rejoice, as this moisturizing ingredient’s non-comedogenic nature makes it a gentle ally in your skincare arsenal.

However, while glycerin is a skincare superhero, it's important to approach it with a few considerations in mind. “Some individuals may experience mild irritation or allergic reactions, although these cases are very rare,” says Beeby. To ensure optimal results, our expert advises to perform a patch test before incorporating glycerin-based products into your routine. “The skin also benefits greatly from using glycerin-based products paired with ingredients such as shea butter and panthenol to keep the skin feeling soft and supple,” advises Beeby.

Go ahead, join us as we dive into the world of glycerin-infused skincare products to garner your most radiant skin yet. 


About the Expert:

Tracey Beeby is a Sydney-based skin expert and head of education at Ultraceuticals. 

 LA ROCHE-POSAY Lipikar Balm AP + M Triple Repair Body Cream with Shea Butter and Glycerin
Courtesy of LA ROCHE-POSAY

Enriched with shea butter and glycerin, this luxurious cream deeply hydrates and repairs sensitive, dry skin. Its velvety texture glides on effortlessly, replenishing moisture loss and strengthening the skin's natural barrier. Formulated for visible results, it leaves skin smoother, softer, and more supple with a radiant glow. 

2. Best Hydrating Hand Mask:

FENTY SKIN Hydra’Reset Intensive Recovery Glycerin Hand Mask 

FENTY SKIN Hydra’Reset Intensive Recovery Glycerin Hand Mask

This moisturizing mask delivers a powerful dose of hydration and nourishment, leaving your tired hands transformed. Witness remarkable results after just one use as dryness and roughness are replaced with a velvety softness. Enriched with glycerin, the intensive recovery properties infused in this hand mask works to revive even the most damaged skin, making this mask the ultimate sanctuary for your hands. 

3. Best Hydrating Ointment:

AQUAPHOR Healing Ointment 

AQUAPHOR Healing Ointment
Courtesy of AQUAPHOR

We love this healing ointment because it’s truly a game-changer for troubled skin. This multipurpose skincare essential provides intense hydration and accelerates the healing process for dry, cracked, and irritated skin. Its gentle formulation includes soothing ingredients like glycerin and petrolatum to create a protective barrier for the skin, soothe irritation, and promote optimal skin repair. 

4. Best Hydrating Face Mist:

BIOSSANCE Squalane + Hyaluronic Acid Facial Mist 

BIOSSANCE Squalane + Hyaluronic Acid Facial Mist
Courtesy of BIOSSANCE

This luxurious mist combines the power of squalane, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin to deliver a refreshing burst of moisture and rejuvenation to your skin. As the ultra-fine mist envelops your face, it instantly quenches thirsty skin, providing intense hydration that lasts throughout the day. The lightweight, non-greasy formula absorbs quickly, leaving your complexion plump, dewy, and glowing. With each spritz, you'll experience a revitalizing sensation, as the potent ingredients work together to improve elasticity, smooth fine lines, and promote a youthful radiance.

5. Best Hydrating Facial Cream:

KIEHL’S Ultra Facial Cream 

KIEHL’S Ultra Facial Cream
Courtesy of KIEHL’S

With its deeply moisturizing formula, this cream is infused with ingredients like squalane and glycerin, providing 24-hour hydration and fortifying the skin's barrier. Countless users have raved about experiencing transformative results. The beauty in this lightweight cream is that it absorbs into the skin quickly and keeps it hydrated throughout the day, without any signs of greasiness.

6. Best Hydrating Facial Cleanser:

FIRST AID BEAUTY Pure Skin Face Cleanser

FIRST AID BEAUTY Pure Skin Face Cleanser

This gentle cleanser is infused with glycerin and aloe's soothing properties to deliver a gentle yet effective cleanse for all skin types. The lightweight formula effortlessly removes excess oil and impurities while maintaining the skin's natural PH balance. “I love how smooth, clear and even-toned it makes my skin. This is one of the best cleansers I've gotten in a while,” raves one Ipster.

7. Best Hydrating Eye Cream:

PAULA’S CHOICE Anti-Aging Eye Cream 

PAULA’S CHOICE Anti-Aging Eye Cream
Courtesy of PAULA’S CHOICE

Embrace timeless beauty with every application. This powerhouse anti-aging formula pairs vitamin C, glycerin and shea butter to banish fine lines, wrinkles, under-eye shadows, and puffiness. 

8. Best Hydrating Serum:

CHARLOTTE TILBURY Magic Serum Crystal Elixir

CHARLOTTE TILBURY Magic Serum Crystal Elixir
Courtesy of CHARLOTTE TILBURY

 This transformative serum is a skincare game-changer, packed with potent ingredients like niacinamide, glycerin, and vitamin C. It works wonders to hydrate, brighten, and visibly firm the skin, revealing a radiant and youthful complexion. Whether applying under your makeup or on its own, the lightweight yet powerful formula absorbs effortlessly, leaving behind zero residue and delivering the glow of your dreams.

9. Best Hydrating Foot Cream:

O.P.I. Moisture Whip Massage Cream 

O.P.I. Moisture Whip Massage Cream
Courtesy of O.P.I.

Indulge your hands and feet in the lavish care of O.P.I. Moisture Whip Massage Cream. This opulent cream is formulated with a blend of avocado lipid complex, cupuaçu butter, and glycerin to moisturize and rejuvenate the skin. Its luxurious texture melts upon contact, delivering a blissful massage experience while leaving the skin soft and hydrated. It's pure bliss in a jar. 

10. Best Hydrating Eye Patches:

TOPICALS Faded Under Eye Masks 

TOPICALS Faded Under Eye Masks
Courtesy of TOPICALS

These innovative under-eye masks are designed to target dark circles, puffiness, and tired-looking eyes. Infused with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and antioxidants, these eye masks deliver intense nourishment to the delicate under-eye area. As you apply the mask, feel the soothing and cooling sensation instantly revitalize your skin. Within minutes, witness the transformative power as the masks diminish the appearance of dark circles and reduce puffiness. 

11. Best Hydrating Cream for Sensitive Skin:

CETAPHIL Moisturizing Cream 

CETAPHIL Moisturizing Cream
Courtesy of CETAPHIL

Behold, a sensitive skin hero. This rich cream is designed specifically to soothe dry, sensitive skin types. Formulated with the dermatologist-backed power of niacinamide, panthenol, and hydrating glycerin, this nourishing moisturizer is just what you need to keep your skin barrier in its most healthy and glowing state.  

12. Best Hydrating Cleansing Balm:

BOBBI BROWN Extra Cleansing Balm

BOBBI BROWN Extra Cleansing Balm
Courtesy of BOBBI BROWN

This luxurious balm melts away impurities, makeup, and excess oil to purify and nourish your skin. Glycerin is among other hydrating ingredients like olive oil, jasmine flower extract, and orange blossom wax that effortlessly dissolves even the most stubborn residue to reveal a refreshed and radiant complexion. It removes every trace of makeup, while the soothing formula leaves the skin feeling incredibly soft. 

13. Best Hydrating Night Cream:

ULTRACEUTICALS Ultra DNA3 Complex Recovery Night Cream 

ULTRACEUTICALS Ultra DNA3 Complex Recovery Night Cream
Courtesy of ULTRACEUTICALS

Look to this revolutionary skincare solution that will transform your nighttime routine into a rejuvenating ritual. This advanced formula restores your skin while you sleep. Powered by the potent combination of DNA repair enzymes, antioxidants, and hydrating ingredients like glycerin, it works tirelessly to repair and replenish your skin's natural barrier, combating signs of aging and environmental damage. As you slumber, this luxurious night cream works overtime to replenish the skin barrier so that you can awaken to a renewed and hydrated complexion. 

14. Best Hydrating Multi-Purpose Facial Balm: 

DANUCERA Cerabalm 

DANUCERA Cerabalm
Courtesy of DANUCERA

This hydrating facial balm packs a punch with not only its nourishing ingredients but also its multi-purpose components. This magical balm is suitable for all skin types and functions as a cleansing balm, hydrating mask, daily moisturizer, and even serves as the ultimate illuminating highlighter when mixed with your skin tint or foundation. Cerabalm’s luxurious benefits are endless, working to simultaneously regulate the skin’s natural oils, improve hyperpigmentation, and enhance texture and elasticity. Incorporate this gem into your daily routine for a youthful, dewy complexion.

15. Best Hydrating Body Wash:

NATRIUM Glow Getter Multi-Oil Hydrating Body Wash 

NATRIUM Glow Getter Multi-Oil Hydrating Body Wash
Courtesy of NATRIUM

Experience the epitome of self-care and unveil irresistibly supple, radiant skin with every enchanting shower. Natrium’s hydrating body wash is an oil-based formula that magically morphs into a soothing lather, delicately cleansing your skin while preserving vital moisture. Infused with glycerin, linoleic-rich oils, and the soothing power of plant-derived squalane, this revolutionary body cleanser saturates the skin with humectants, granting it the hydration and nourishment it craves.

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About the author
Chelsea Hall
Chelsea Hall
Chelsea is an NYC-based fashion and beauty writer with over 7 years experience. She has held roles at publications such as Harper's Bazaar, WWD, InStyle, and Marie Claire. Her writing has also appeared on ELLE.com and POPSUGAR.com.
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Article Last Updated July 7, 2023 12:00 AM