Skin care and cosmetics
Glycerol (skin)
Used on skin in creams, lotions, sunscreens, makeup and soaps.
On cosmetic labels it is often listed as glycerin.
As a food ingredient: Glycerol
What research says
Study type not stated
-
Benefit
Skin moisture and barrier2
Glycerol in creams and lotions helps skin hold water, strengthens its barrier, and speeds wound healing.
How it’s made and used
-
Cosmetic ingredient review1
In animal and human studies, a review panel looked at glycerin in cosmetics and what it does in these products.
The signal at the top counts the findings in people and in animal and lab studies. A concern in studies of people outranks animal and lab studies, and “No concerns” needs at least one finding in people. Findings whose study type is not stated are shown but not counted. This page is a reference, not medical advice. It describes what published research says about putting it on skin. Talk to a doctor or dermatologist about your own skin.
Regulatory status
We have not checked cosmetic regulations for this ingredient yet. The rules for skin products differ from the food rules on the food page.
References
- 1Becker LC, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, et al. Safety Assessment of Glycerin as Used in Cosmetics. Int J Toxicol. 2019;38(3_suppl):6S-22S. doi:10.1177/1091581819883820
- 2Fluhr JW, Darlenski R, Surber C. Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions. Br J Dermatol. 2008;159(1):23-34. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2008.08643.x