Glycerine (glycerol) is a humectant that draws water into the stratum corneum and helps maintain skin hydration and barrier function. It is widely used as a base/formulation ingredient in moisturizers, cleansers, and serums.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Sticky or tacky skin feel | Common | Cosmetic sensation at higher concentrations, not a health concern. |
Mild transient stinging or irritation | Uncommon | More likely on broken or compromised skin or with high concentrations. |
Skin dryness or moisture-wicking in very low humidity | Uncommon | Can theoretically draw water from skin in extremely dry environments if not paired with occlusives. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization to glycerine is uncommon but has been documented in patch-test studies. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.