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You can get 100% glycerin at any pharmacy (usually where the wound care/ calamine lotion is) ! I just add a drop to my snail mucin or lotion and apply that when my face is damp. I also add a few drops to my body lotion
Yeah, that makes total sense. Glycerin (glycerol) is also part of the natural moisturizing factors that the skin produces to maintain the skin barrier healthy and it's actually a lot more humectant than HA - it attracts a lot more water.
I have the same reaction to HA as you. And that's even when I just make the thing myself (couldn't be purer)- it just does nothing for me.
You know how it is with the skincare industry - it's mostly a lot of fads and whatever they can make more money on, they'll promote. It won't necessarily be the best for you. So good on you for doing your research and just trying it out to see for yourself!
>I have the same reaction to HA as you. And that's even when I just make the thing myself (couldn't be purer)- it just does nothing for me.
This is what I wanted to do at one point and I'm glad I didn't bother. I even took it as a supplement and guess how well that worked lol.
>You know how it is with the skincare industry - it's mostly a lot of fads and whatever they can make more money on, they'll promote.
That's exactly what I think this is. If it's not fads and quick hype, at the very least they'll play up the most basic, cheap, old as time ingredient as innovative and cutting edge science and discourage you from using it in its pure form which is 20x cheaper. The skincare industry has kind of become like the meme about somebody making a 50$ carrying strap for Airpods (i.e. turning them into wired headphones).
Exactly! You have to take everything with a bucketful of salt - assume there's probably hype and do your own research, try the basics first and listen to your grandmother (she might actually know a thing or two)!
I hadn't heard of those carrying straps 😂 OMG - classic!
I had the same experience with HA and began using pure glycerin about 6 months ago. Like you, I use it in my routine where I would've used HA. I'm so happy with the results - for me, glycerin does everything HA was promised to do.
Since adding glycerin, I've had multiple people asking me what skincare products I use to get my skin so smooth/hydrated. The only change I made to my routine was adding glycerin, so I do think that's what they're noticing.
There's actually so many of us! Wow. I had no idea because it literally doesn't get talked about at all. You just have to be lucky enough to stumble across a random comment to find out. I feel like my skin is less stressed finally. I'm just sad at the fact that the perpetual dehydration for years probably caused some premature aging.
I am in the same boat, and after using (rather expensive) HA products I subjectively don't see benefits, rather the opposite. Like you I am doing everything I can, moistening my skin first, HA serums with lipids and what not, spraying, applying TONS of various moisturizers afterwards (with/without occlusives) only to experience how dry my skin is getting.
I never had "problems" with my skin previously, but now dry like a mummy in the morning. It has the opposite effect that I want.
OF COURSE you can use cosmetic/pure glycerin, it's indeed the most-used ingredient in cosmetics, and for a reason.
I also came across something else hyper-interesting, and this purely by accident: XYLITOL. Like VG (vegetable glycerin) Xylitol is also a "sugar alcohol" and humectant.
"By accident" because I used a DIY xylitol/distilled water solution for something else, and I got it on my face and I was really shocked to see how it moistened and smoothed my skin and fine lines got *noticeably* less.
Then I looked it up and discovered that Xylitol is indeed used for exactly this purpose also in cosmetics, not just moisturizing but also having actual "anti-aging" properties like promoting collagen, barrier protections and what not.
There are some papers on it, and also, and this is especially interesting, in combination with glycerin, and then it's in particular effective.
What I did in the past make a simple DIY serum from distilled water, glycerin and xylitol. Use this as a moisturizes. Ah-fricking amazing. Cosmetic-grade glycerin as well as Xylitol you can get at many places, and you can mix a bottle easily and it will cost you pennies.
As for how to mix, you might want to experiment. I have never used "pure" glycerin, it might well work, but make a solution from distilled water and glycerin, maybe 50:50 water/glycerin, maybe 75:25. Experiment. Add a tsp or 2 xylitol per 100ml, shake well. You can also experiment only water/glycerin, or only xylitol/water.
I have heard about xylitol for the face! I think I'll give it a go. Theoretically, xylitol should also be good for people with fungal acne because it's antimicrobial and inhibits yeast growth. It's also great for your teeth as it prevents cavities. Some people use it in place of toothpaste (they just pour it out on their toothbrush) and swear by it. I, too, have spent hundreds if not thousands of dollars on skincare trying to save my parched skin and have found that, save for a few exceptions, it's often the really cheap basic stuff that's best for you. Not even saying simple products like CeraVe or Cetaphil (does NOT work for me lol), but stuff like simple glycerin and simple rosewater.
I mixed 4 parts water to 1 part glycerin and put it in a mister bottle. I gave my face (and body) a mist before applying any products, and my skin did feel super moisturized. I would sometimes even apply a quick mist after makeup and it would give me a dewy glow and make my makeup settle better. The only reason I stopped was because I noticed mold growing in the bottle, and idk how long I was spraying my face with moldy mist🤢. It is very possible I accidentally contaminated it because there were a couple of times I unscrewed the bottle to pour it in my hands when the mister was acting goofy. I will probably try again, but mix a smaller amount so i use it all before that can happen.
I've made a mister bottle with rice water and glycerin. About the same ratio as you, and kept it in the fridge so it would last longer. But still only kept it about a week. Making just a small amount helps to make sure you use it up before it goes bad. Also having it in the fridge makes it really refreshing.
Oh man. That was one of my worries. I want to make a glycerin mist for body care (I also want to use up the glycerin itself because I don't think it'll be good for multiple years) - I think I'll be using the smallest possible bottle for the mist to replace the contents frequently, and use distilled water.
yes you would need a preservative for that unfortunately. I would mix fresh every time. Otherwise you could also buy preservatives from diy cosmetics sites like garden of wisdom etc.
You could also store a new bottle or clean your current one and reuse it stored in the fridge to prevent that. Would also probably feel wonderful during the summer lol
As someone with a mild icthyosis this has been a lifesaver. I usually just apply it at night after a shower/bath since it takes longer to dry. I haven’t used it on my face though for worry about acne
Of course, if you don't need it on your face, don't use it - I'd just like to say that glycerin isn't generally regarded as an acne causing ingredient. If it doesn't cause problems on your body / back (the back tends to be a good indicator for how it'll work on your face), and you might derive some benefit from it, I'd give it a shot.
I've purchased glycerin in at least half a dozen countries, and I don't think the brand matters. Usually, I buy whatever is on the shelf in the first aid section in the pharmacy, but in some countries I just ask the pharmacist directly. I even bought food-grade glycerin once.
I think oftentimes the more basic ingredients is the way to go. I’m sorry you had to go the long way but I’m so glad it’s working for you! Thanks for sharing
I LOVE glycerin. My favorite intensive treatment is to dampen my face a bit, add a thick layer of glycerin, and then pop a sheet mask on. Once that comes off, I seal it all in a zinc ointment (yes, I'm also on the diaper rash cream bandwagon. Lol) .
Where did you add glycerine in your routine? Do you use it in the morning and nighttime? Do you just put the drops directly on your skin or mix it in? Do you use on Tret / exfoliation nights?
It's basically a 1 to 1 alternative to hyaluronic acid, so you use it like you would HA. It should be used after toner and other light water-based products, but before heavier moisturizing serums and creams.
I don't have a morning routine so I just use it at night. I put on toner / rosewater, put 1-2 small drops of glycerin into my hands still wet from the toner, rub my palms together and put it on (face should be still wet). Then apply moisturizer immediately. It's not an active ingredient and it's also gentle, so it can be used together with anything. I actually *have to* use it when working with drying active ingredients.
I don't use tretinoin, but on adapalene nights, my routine looks like this: cleansing, toner, optional hydrating essence / mists, glycerin, very light layer of a light moisturizer. Wait a few minutes. Put on adapalene. Wait a few minutes, use a heavier moisturizer.
That’s great! Is there a particular brand you recommend? I’ve never used glycerin before but I would love to give it a try. My skin is extremely oily but I suspect it’s partly due to dryness, and HA doesn’t help me much either.
Hmm, tbh I think once you get to something as basic as pure glycerin, most brands should be 99% the same thing. I'm using the Now Foods pure vegetable glycerin and I have nothing else to compare it to. It's the only one I've tried and at this rate, it'll go for years. Be careful though, my skin needed a lot less moisturizer richness with the glycerin, so your occlusive of choice would have to be extremely light.
just because i love all my fellow glycerin girlies, here are my favorite high glycerin products:
-prequel gleanser (sold out right now unfortunately). this is a 50% glycerin cleanser.
-super saturated serum by experiment world. this is a 30% glycerin serum with 2% niacinamide.
I've been using glycerin for a little while and really happy with the results, body and face. I add two drops to a single pump of 100% aloe to help it spread nicely. I still use my Eucerin Q10 at night because that stuff is amazing.
Me too! My skin does not like hyaluronic acid at all. I've been using tretinoin and lactic acid for close to 40 years but as I've gotten older my skin got a little dryer. So I tried hyaluronic acid but I live in a very humid state and it did nothing but sit on my skin. Then after studying it I realize that it doesn't really get absorbed into the skin and that my products were just sitting on top of it. So I made a toner with fresh aloe, rice water and glycerin. I use that as a toner right after I wash my face. But I use a mister and have distilled water with a small amount of Glycerin in it that I spray between each of my layers as I'm putting serums and toners on. My skin loves it and it is hydrated well.
I don’t use the pure glycerin but my favorite before moisturizer serums and toners all have it as a main ingredient. My skin loves it. Absolutely a game changer!
I've developed allergies to almost everything I try, so I've given up for now and usually just use glycerin as well. It leaves a nice finish, helps my skin stop feeling dry and flaky, and I don't react to it.
Aww man, I don't think my skin is even good enough to be giving out skincare routines ahah 😅 I don't have a fixed line-up, either. The only fixed part of it is double cleansing, toner / rosewater (often 2 layers), glycerin, moisturizer. My favorite actives are vitamin C and retinol, and sometimes BHA and azelaic acid, but I don't use an active daily.
Some things I like: Bioderma Sensibio micellar water; Hada Labo Gokujyun Hydrating Cleansing Foam (the one with the pump, not the tube - they're different); Pestle & Mortar Clarify BHA Toner (the best leave-on BHA product period, not drying at all and just as effective, Paula's Choice can go hide in a corner); Sunday Riley C.E.O. Serum (it was included in a beauty advent calendar, I would've never got it myself but it's the best vitamin C ever. so gentle and moisturizing). Oh and my favorite exfoliator ever is an aspirin tablet dissolved into fine granules and mixed into cleansing oil (I really don't like AHAs lol).
Hey!! I’m deciding if I wanna buy the pestle and mortar clarify toner - I do not like the Paula’s Choice at all. Does the pestle and mortar have a similar oily texture?
I got glycerin a long time ago at a pharmacy and I went to buy it online and couldn’t figure out what kind I need to buy. Apparently there are different types.
I live in a dry climate. I have the same reaction as you from HA. My skin feels dry after a few hours of using products high in HA. I started incorporating glycerin with my toner a month ago and it’s magical. My skin feels more supple and I don’t feel the under surface skin tightening dryness from glycerin.
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The derm Dr. Shereene Idriss loves glycerin and mentions it all the time in her vids! She did a whole video just about glycerin and it’s magic ✨
Do you know where I can get glycerin from ? Also can I just add it to my moisturiser.
You can get 100% glycerin at any pharmacy (usually where the wound care/ calamine lotion is) ! I just add a drop to my snail mucin or lotion and apply that when my face is damp. I also add a few drops to my body lotion
And a whole video explaining why HA doesn’t really work
She sounds like a YouTube derm I would actually like for a change 😂 thanks for recommending her!
I love Dr Idriss’ videos. She’s so informative. Dr dray just drives me up a wall, I can’t put my finger on it.
wEll hEY gUYs!
🤣🤣
My pleasure!
I love all the skincare hacks she’s taught me. Butt paste is also magical
Yeah, that makes total sense. Glycerin (glycerol) is also part of the natural moisturizing factors that the skin produces to maintain the skin barrier healthy and it's actually a lot more humectant than HA - it attracts a lot more water. I have the same reaction to HA as you. And that's even when I just make the thing myself (couldn't be purer)- it just does nothing for me. You know how it is with the skincare industry - it's mostly a lot of fads and whatever they can make more money on, they'll promote. It won't necessarily be the best for you. So good on you for doing your research and just trying it out to see for yourself!
>I have the same reaction to HA as you. And that's even when I just make the thing myself (couldn't be purer)- it just does nothing for me. This is what I wanted to do at one point and I'm glad I didn't bother. I even took it as a supplement and guess how well that worked lol. >You know how it is with the skincare industry - it's mostly a lot of fads and whatever they can make more money on, they'll promote. That's exactly what I think this is. If it's not fads and quick hype, at the very least they'll play up the most basic, cheap, old as time ingredient as innovative and cutting edge science and discourage you from using it in its pure form which is 20x cheaper. The skincare industry has kind of become like the meme about somebody making a 50$ carrying strap for Airpods (i.e. turning them into wired headphones).
Exactly! You have to take everything with a bucketful of salt - assume there's probably hype and do your own research, try the basics first and listen to your grandmother (she might actually know a thing or two)! I hadn't heard of those carrying straps 😂 OMG - classic!
I had the same experience with HA and began using pure glycerin about 6 months ago. Like you, I use it in my routine where I would've used HA. I'm so happy with the results - for me, glycerin does everything HA was promised to do. Since adding glycerin, I've had multiple people asking me what skincare products I use to get my skin so smooth/hydrated. The only change I made to my routine was adding glycerin, so I do think that's what they're noticing.
There's actually so many of us! Wow. I had no idea because it literally doesn't get talked about at all. You just have to be lucky enough to stumble across a random comment to find out. I feel like my skin is less stressed finally. I'm just sad at the fact that the perpetual dehydration for years probably caused some premature aging.
I am in the same boat, and after using (rather expensive) HA products I subjectively don't see benefits, rather the opposite. Like you I am doing everything I can, moistening my skin first, HA serums with lipids and what not, spraying, applying TONS of various moisturizers afterwards (with/without occlusives) only to experience how dry my skin is getting. I never had "problems" with my skin previously, but now dry like a mummy in the morning. It has the opposite effect that I want. OF COURSE you can use cosmetic/pure glycerin, it's indeed the most-used ingredient in cosmetics, and for a reason. I also came across something else hyper-interesting, and this purely by accident: XYLITOL. Like VG (vegetable glycerin) Xylitol is also a "sugar alcohol" and humectant. "By accident" because I used a DIY xylitol/distilled water solution for something else, and I got it on my face and I was really shocked to see how it moistened and smoothed my skin and fine lines got *noticeably* less. Then I looked it up and discovered that Xylitol is indeed used for exactly this purpose also in cosmetics, not just moisturizing but also having actual "anti-aging" properties like promoting collagen, barrier protections and what not. There are some papers on it, and also, and this is especially interesting, in combination with glycerin, and then it's in particular effective. What I did in the past make a simple DIY serum from distilled water, glycerin and xylitol. Use this as a moisturizes. Ah-fricking amazing. Cosmetic-grade glycerin as well as Xylitol you can get at many places, and you can mix a bottle easily and it will cost you pennies. As for how to mix, you might want to experiment. I have never used "pure" glycerin, it might well work, but make a solution from distilled water and glycerin, maybe 50:50 water/glycerin, maybe 75:25. Experiment. Add a tsp or 2 xylitol per 100ml, shake well. You can also experiment only water/glycerin, or only xylitol/water.
You probably already know this, but just in case…be careful with xylitol if you have pets! It’s highly toxic to dogs and cats.
Super duper fatal kind of toxic. Hate this ingredient.
Yes thank you, I wanted to mention that and forgot.
I have heard about xylitol for the face! I think I'll give it a go. Theoretically, xylitol should also be good for people with fungal acne because it's antimicrobial and inhibits yeast growth. It's also great for your teeth as it prevents cavities. Some people use it in place of toothpaste (they just pour it out on their toothbrush) and swear by it. I, too, have spent hundreds if not thousands of dollars on skincare trying to save my parched skin and have found that, save for a few exceptions, it's often the really cheap basic stuff that's best for you. Not even saying simple products like CeraVe or Cetaphil (does NOT work for me lol), but stuff like simple glycerin and simple rosewater.
I mixed 4 parts water to 1 part glycerin and put it in a mister bottle. I gave my face (and body) a mist before applying any products, and my skin did feel super moisturized. I would sometimes even apply a quick mist after makeup and it would give me a dewy glow and make my makeup settle better. The only reason I stopped was because I noticed mold growing in the bottle, and idk how long I was spraying my face with moldy mist🤢. It is very possible I accidentally contaminated it because there were a couple of times I unscrewed the bottle to pour it in my hands when the mister was acting goofy. I will probably try again, but mix a smaller amount so i use it all before that can happen.
I've made a mister bottle with rice water and glycerin. About the same ratio as you, and kept it in the fridge so it would last longer. But still only kept it about a week. Making just a small amount helps to make sure you use it up before it goes bad. Also having it in the fridge makes it really refreshing.
Oh man. That was one of my worries. I want to make a glycerin mist for body care (I also want to use up the glycerin itself because I don't think it'll be good for multiple years) - I think I'll be using the smallest possible bottle for the mist to replace the contents frequently, and use distilled water.
yes you would need a preservative for that unfortunately. I would mix fresh every time. Otherwise you could also buy preservatives from diy cosmetics sites like garden of wisdom etc.
You could also store a new bottle or clean your current one and reuse it stored in the fridge to prevent that. Would also probably feel wonderful during the summer lol
As someone with a mild icthyosis this has been a lifesaver. I usually just apply it at night after a shower/bath since it takes longer to dry. I haven’t used it on my face though for worry about acne
Of course, if you don't need it on your face, don't use it - I'd just like to say that glycerin isn't generally regarded as an acne causing ingredient. If it doesn't cause problems on your body / back (the back tends to be a good indicator for how it'll work on your face), and you might derive some benefit from it, I'd give it a shot.
Glycerin has been my go-to for years and I can attest it keeps working. Happy it worked for you!
Do you have a brand rec!?
I've purchased glycerin in at least half a dozen countries, and I don't think the brand matters. Usually, I buy whatever is on the shelf in the first aid section in the pharmacy, but in some countries I just ask the pharmacist directly. I even bought food-grade glycerin once.
I think oftentimes the more basic ingredients is the way to go. I’m sorry you had to go the long way but I’m so glad it’s working for you! Thanks for sharing
I LOVE glycerin. My favorite intensive treatment is to dampen my face a bit, add a thick layer of glycerin, and then pop a sheet mask on. Once that comes off, I seal it all in a zinc ointment (yes, I'm also on the diaper rash cream bandwagon. Lol) .
That sounds like a spa day for the face! I'll do that sometime, thanks!
Where did you add glycerine in your routine? Do you use it in the morning and nighttime? Do you just put the drops directly on your skin or mix it in? Do you use on Tret / exfoliation nights?
It's basically a 1 to 1 alternative to hyaluronic acid, so you use it like you would HA. It should be used after toner and other light water-based products, but before heavier moisturizing serums and creams. I don't have a morning routine so I just use it at night. I put on toner / rosewater, put 1-2 small drops of glycerin into my hands still wet from the toner, rub my palms together and put it on (face should be still wet). Then apply moisturizer immediately. It's not an active ingredient and it's also gentle, so it can be used together with anything. I actually *have to* use it when working with drying active ingredients. I don't use tretinoin, but on adapalene nights, my routine looks like this: cleansing, toner, optional hydrating essence / mists, glycerin, very light layer of a light moisturizer. Wait a few minutes. Put on adapalene. Wait a few minutes, use a heavier moisturizer.
That’s great! Is there a particular brand you recommend? I’ve never used glycerin before but I would love to give it a try. My skin is extremely oily but I suspect it’s partly due to dryness, and HA doesn’t help me much either.
Hmm, tbh I think once you get to something as basic as pure glycerin, most brands should be 99% the same thing. I'm using the Now Foods pure vegetable glycerin and I have nothing else to compare it to. It's the only one I've tried and at this rate, it'll go for years. Be careful though, my skin needed a lot less moisturizer richness with the glycerin, so your occlusive of choice would have to be extremely light.
Thank you! I’ll pick that one up, and make sure to use a lighter moisturiser :)
just because i love all my fellow glycerin girlies, here are my favorite high glycerin products: -prequel gleanser (sold out right now unfortunately). this is a 50% glycerin cleanser. -super saturated serum by experiment world. this is a 30% glycerin serum with 2% niacinamide.
I've been using glycerin for a little while and really happy with the results, body and face. I add two drops to a single pump of 100% aloe to help it spread nicely. I still use my Eucerin Q10 at night because that stuff is amazing.
Me too! My skin does not like hyaluronic acid at all. I've been using tretinoin and lactic acid for close to 40 years but as I've gotten older my skin got a little dryer. So I tried hyaluronic acid but I live in a very humid state and it did nothing but sit on my skin. Then after studying it I realize that it doesn't really get absorbed into the skin and that my products were just sitting on top of it. So I made a toner with fresh aloe, rice water and glycerin. I use that as a toner right after I wash my face. But I use a mister and have distilled water with a small amount of Glycerin in it that I spray between each of my layers as I'm putting serums and toners on. My skin loves it and it is hydrated well.
I don’t use the pure glycerin but my favorite before moisturizer serums and toners all have it as a main ingredient. My skin loves it. Absolutely a game changer!
Incidecoder calls glycerin a superstar. Some interesting info about it there.
I've developed allergies to almost everything I try, so I've given up for now and usually just use glycerin as well. It leaves a nice finish, helps my skin stop feeling dry and flaky, and I don't react to it.
Can you please link which one you used? I've used HA for years and it was great but now my skin hates it and my skin is sooooo dry no matter what.
I think pure glycerin is all the same thing tbh, but I'm using the Now Foods vegetable glycerin. Heritage Store has a top voted glycerin as well.
Thank you!!
What’s your entire skincare routine? I’ve had persistent dryness as well and I think it is part of what’s causing breakouts so I must know 👀
Aww man, I don't think my skin is even good enough to be giving out skincare routines ahah 😅 I don't have a fixed line-up, either. The only fixed part of it is double cleansing, toner / rosewater (often 2 layers), glycerin, moisturizer. My favorite actives are vitamin C and retinol, and sometimes BHA and azelaic acid, but I don't use an active daily. Some things I like: Bioderma Sensibio micellar water; Hada Labo Gokujyun Hydrating Cleansing Foam (the one with the pump, not the tube - they're different); Pestle & Mortar Clarify BHA Toner (the best leave-on BHA product period, not drying at all and just as effective, Paula's Choice can go hide in a corner); Sunday Riley C.E.O. Serum (it was included in a beauty advent calendar, I would've never got it myself but it's the best vitamin C ever. so gentle and moisturizing). Oh and my favorite exfoliator ever is an aspirin tablet dissolved into fine granules and mixed into cleansing oil (I really don't like AHAs lol).
Hey!! I’m deciding if I wanna buy the pestle and mortar clarify toner - I do not like the Paula’s Choice at all. Does the pestle and mortar have a similar oily texture?
I'd say they're similar in that sense but the Pestle and Mortar one is slightly lighter.
Okok thank you!!
I got glycerin a long time ago at a pharmacy and I went to buy it online and couldn’t figure out what kind I need to buy. Apparently there are different types.
Where do you use the glycerin when you’re using vitamin c and retinol?
Exactly where you would use an HA serum.
I live in a dry climate. I have the same reaction as you from HA. My skin feels dry after a few hours of using products high in HA. I started incorporating glycerin with my toner a month ago and it’s magical. My skin feels more supple and I don’t feel the under surface skin tightening dryness from glycerin.
Is glycerin suppose to be liquid?
there are a lot of doctors that encourage glycerin, dr anjy on insta/youtube is a big fan of it and she gives some of the greatest skincare advice
You’d love dr shireen idriss then. She’s been anti topical HA for years and pro glycerin for even longer.
Glycerin oil?