Ingredient Spotlight: Glycerin, the Hydrating Ingredient You Need

Posted by Sandra Scott on

It’s the unsung hero of skincare.

But if you’re suffering from dry skin, irritation from shaving or just that tight feeling after washing your face, Glycerin is the ingredient you need to know about.

It’s one of the most hydrating ingredients out there.

And one of the best for a man’s skin.

Here’s why…

 

Single blob of glycerin on pale blue background

Glycerin is one of the most hydrating ingredients in skincare

  

What is Glycerin? 

A natural compound, glycerin (also known as glycerol) is derived from vegetable oils or animal fats.

But what makes it interesting for your skin is that Glycerin works as a humectant. 

In other words, it attracts moisture from the air and draws it into the top layer of your skin. And because of its low molecular weight, it continues to draw moisture to the deeper layers too, replenishing moisture as it goes.

In fact, Glycerin is perhaps the most effective humectant used in skincare.

 

Why glycerin is so great for a man’s skin 

Hard-working glycerin maintains hydration, protects your skin barrier and prevents irritation.

Let’s break down what that means for your skin… 

 

  • Glycerin hydrates and softens your skin
Because Glycerin attracts water to itself it has a softening and hydrating effect on even very dry, flaky skin.

Glycerin also enhances the absorption of other hydrating ingredients included in your products. So for example the Glycerin in our Hydrating Daily Moisturizer makes sure that your skin is nourished and smooth, and it also improves the effectiveness of the Jojoba Oil and Vitamin E that we’ve included.

 

  • Glycerin protects you skin barrier and helps you look younger

Products formulated with Glycerin also strengthen your skin’s natural protective barrier. This is especially important when you’re shaving.

By keeping your skin hydrated and minimizing water loss, Glycerin keeps your skin barrier strong and effective.

This is important because the barrier can be damaged by shaving (along with free radicals from pollution and environmental stress) leading to premature aging.

 

  • Glycerin guards against irritation 
Glycerin keeps your skin soft, supple, and hydrated – and protects against harsh irritants which can strip away your skin’s natural oils.

 

And Glycerin is safe for all skin types 

Glycerin mimics your skin’s natural moisturizing factor (NMF), which means that all skin types can benefit from using it. 

Dry skin: If you have dry skin you can benefit from the deep hydrating effects of Glycerin. Not only does it draw water into your skin from the air, it also sucks it from the deeper layer of the skin (dermis) and brings it up to the top (epidermis), giving you an extra boost of hydration.

Oily skin: Even if your skin is naturally oily you still need to use a moisturizer.

We explain why here: “OILY SKIN: Why you need a moisturizer”.

The great thing about Glycerin as a moisturising agent is that it’s non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog your pores or cause break-outs.

Sensitive skin: Glycerin’s gentle, hydrating properties have a calming effect on even sensitive skin. It helps to replenish essential moisture but without causing irritation. 

Aging skin: By increasing your skin’s hydration, Glycerin reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

And by reinforcing your skin’s protective barrier it keeps your skin looking smooth and younger-looking.

 

Here’s what Glycerin can do for you  

It’s clear to see why we included Glycerin in all of our products.

Daily Face Wash 

Washing your face every day is essential to keep your skin looking clear and healthy - removing the dirt and oil which can build up and clog your pores causing acne and blemishes.

But at the same time you don’t want to strip away your skin’s natural oils, because this can compromise the protective barrier of your skin, leaving your face feeling tight and dry.

The best solution: our non-drying Daily Face Wash effectively cleans your skin, keeping those natural oils in place.

It contains Glycerin - to stop your skin from drying out – and other hydrating ingredients like Aloe Vera to further up the moisture levels, leaving your skin looking smooth, glowing and healthy.

And because Glycerin is non-comedogenic it doesn’t clog your pores or cause breakouts -  even if you have oily or acne-prone skin.

Glycerin’s moisturizing properties mean that your face won’t feel tight and dry after washing – even if you have very dry skin.

Daily Face Wash gently exfoliates your skin too.

Fresh, clean, healthy skin in one easy step!

 

  

Protective Shave Cream 

A man’s skin can easily become dry and damaged when you shave. And shaving can make you prone to ingrown hairs and razor burn! (link) So special care is needed.

The answer is to prep your skin well, using a nourishing shave cream to protect your skin, help reduce irritation and lubricate.

Our Protective Shave Cream is enriched with glycerin to nourish and protect your face, giving you a smooth, sensual shave.

It also lubricates and softens the hair so that the razor glides easily. You can thank the fusion of Shea ButterAloe Vera and Apricot Stone Oil for that.

It leaves your clean-shaven skin beautifully hydrated and smooth - with a perfect finish.

And like all of our products, Protective Shave Cream is dermatologically tested, hypoallergenic and non-irritating.
It has also undergone and passed the rigorous European Cosmetic Regulations.

Plus it’s cruelty free.

 

 

Hydrating Daily Moisturizer

After you wash your face and shave it’s time to seal in hydration.

The long-lasting hydrating power of Glycerin keeps your skin moisturized all day long - but without adding shine.

We added Glycerin to our Hydrating Daily Moisturizer so it’s incredibly hydrating, but it also absorbs really easily and doesn’t leave your face looking shiny.

Along with moisturizing Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid, it's also packed full of the best anti aging ingredients.

Our Hydrating Daily Moisturizer deeply hydrates, evens out your skin tone and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, especially the fine lines around your eyes.

And with anti aging peptides it improves circulation and stimulates collagen to keep your skin smooth and firm. 

 

 

 

FAQ’s 

Is Glycerin safe for skin? 

Yes. Glycerin is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin.

All of our products contain glycerin, and are dermatologically tested, hypoallergenic and non-irritating.
They have all undergone and passed the rigorous European Cosmetic Regulations.

 

Is Glycerin safe to use if you have acne? 

Yes. Glycerin is non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores and cause potential breakouts - even if you have oily or acne-prone skin.

  

The Takeaway 

Glycerin is one of the most hydrating ingredients out there.

And one of the best for a man’s skin.

This hard-working moisturizing ingredient:

  • Hydrates and sooths your skin
  • Protects the skin barrier and helps you to look younger
  • Guards against irritation

Shop below to see for yourself the great things Glycerin can do for your skin.

 

SHOP THE ROUTINE. 
All you need to stay looking handsome. 

 

PRESTIGE SKINCARE FOR MEN.
MADE IN FRANCE.

FRENCH FLAG - BLEU, BLANC, ROUGE

 

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