When your skin feels tight and dry after cleansing, that's a sign your skin barrier may have lost moisture.
Many skincare trends chase ingredients like hyaluronic acid. But one of the most effective hydrators has been around for decades: glycerin.
Why Glycerin Works So Well
Glycerin is a humectant, meaning it attracts and holds water in the skin.
What makes it unique is that it works with the skin's natural hydration system. Research shows glycerin supports Aquaporin 3 (AQP3), proteins that help move water through the skin. Healthy AQP3 function helps maintain hydration, supports barrier repair and reduces dryness.
Glycerin Versus Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a popular hydrating ingredient, but its larger molecular size means much of it stays near the skin's surface.
Glycerin is a much smaller molecule, so it penetrates the outer layer of the skin more easily. It helps strengthen the skin barrier and reduces water loss, making hydration last longer.
Why Concentration Matters
Most cleansers contain only 1 to 5 percent glycerin.
Our Skin Reset Cleanser is formulated with 50 percent glycerin.
At this level, glycerin helps reduce the drying effect of cleansing while leaving the skin feeling hydrated instead of tight.
In our in vivo clinical study, hydration increased by 71.55 percent immediately after cleansing, measured using the Corneometer® CM 825.
The Takeaway
Glycerin isn't a filler ingredient. It's one of the most well researched hydrators in skincare.
Instead of chasing trends, we focused on an ingredient with decades of scientific evidence and formulated it at a level where it can make a meaningful difference.
Sometimes, the most powerful skincare ingredients are the ones we've known all along.
References
- Bollag, W. B. (2021). International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
- Del Rosso, J. Q., & Levin, J. (2011). The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.
- MDPI. (2021). Cosmetics.
- Taylor & Francis. (2025). Gynecological Endocrinology.
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