From the Guidelines
Glycerin is a recommended humectant and emollient for topical use in treating dry skin conditions, particularly for conditions like xerosis, eczema, and psoriasis, due to its ability to draw water into the skin and form a protective barrier that prevents moisture loss. The use of glycerin in topical medicine is supported by recent guidelines, such as those outlined in the 2023 study on the management of atopic dermatitis in adults with topical therapies 1. Although this study did not find a significant improvement in SCORAD between a glycerol-based emollient and placebo, other studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of glycerin in improving skin hydration and reducing itch. For example, a study comparing a moisturizing cream containing lipopolysaccharide derived from Pantoea agglomerans to a vehicle found a significant difference in itch improvement at week 4 1.
In terms of specific applications, glycerin is often used in concentrations of 5-30% in over-the-counter moisturizers, lotions, creams, and ointments. It is particularly effective when applied to slightly damp skin to maximize its moisture-retaining properties. Glycerin is generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects, although some individuals may experience mild irritation. Its effectiveness stems from its hygroscopic properties, which allow it to attract and bind water molecules, helping to maintain skin hydration. Additionally, glycerin has mild antimicrobial properties that can help protect damaged skin from infection while promoting healing. As outlined in the 2011 study on the interdisciplinary management of EGFR-inhibitor-induced skin reactions, urea- or glycerin-based moisturizers are recommended for mild skin reactions 1.
Key benefits of glycerin in topical medicine include:
- Improved skin hydration
- Reduced itch and irritation
- Formation of a protective barrier that prevents moisture loss
- Mild antimicrobial properties to protect damaged skin from infection
- Generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects. Overall, glycerin is a valuable component of topical treatments for dry skin conditions, and its use is supported by recent guidelines and studies 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
GLYCERIN 5.3g The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Glycerin Use in Topical Medicine
- Glycerin is used as a humectant, skin protectant, and skin conditioning agent in topical medicine 2, 3.
- It has been shown to improve skin hydration, skin barrier function, and skin mechanical properties 3, 4.
- Glycerin has also been found to have an antimicrobial effect and can accelerate wound-healing processes 3.
- In the treatment of atopic dermatitis, glycerin-containing creams have been shown to be effective in improving skin dryness and reducing adverse skin reactions 5.
- A study comparing the effect of glycerin and urea on dry, eczematous skin in atopic patients found that glycerin cream induced fewer adverse skin reactions than urea-saline cream 5.
Mechanisms of Action
- Glycerin works by improving stratum corneum hydration, skin barrier function, and skin mechanical properties 3.
- It can also inhibit the stratum corneum lipid phase transition and protect against irritating stimuli 3.
- The aquaporin-3 transport channel and lipid metabolism in the pilosebaceous unit have been evidenced as potential pathways for endogenous delivery of glycerol and for its metabolism in the skin 3.
Clinical Applications
- Glycerin is widely used in cosmetics and pharmaceutical formulations, mainly as a humectant 4.
- It has been used in the treatment of various skin conditions, including atopic dermatitis, dry skin, and eczema 3, 5.
- A recent study found that the addition of anti-inflammatory ingredients, including glycerin, to a moisturizer can improve skin hydration in patients with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis 6.