Is Glycerin Comedogenic? The Complete Guide

Glycerin is one of the most common ingredients in skincare, appearing in everything from cleansers to moisturizers to serums. If you have acne-prone or sensitive skin, you might wonder whether this ubiquitous ingredient is safe for your skin. Is glycerin comedogenic? Will it clog your pores?

The good news is that glycerin has a comedogenic rating of 0, meaning it will not clog pores. In fact, it is one of the safest and most beneficial ingredients for all skin types, including acne-prone skin.

What is Glycerin?

Glycerin, also called glycerol, is a colorless, odorless liquid with a thick, syrupy consistency. It is a humectant, which means it attracts water from the environment and deeper skin layers to hydrate the outer skin.

Glycerin can be derived from:

• Plant sources: Soy, palm, or coconut oil (vegetable glycerin)
• Animal sources: Animal fats (less common in modern cosmetics)
• Synthetic production: Made in laboratories

Most skincare products today use plant-derived glycerin. The source does not affect its function or safety on the skin.

Key Properties of Glycerin

• Humectant (water-attracting)
• Non-comedogenic (rating 0)
• Colorless and odorless
• Water-soluble
• Very well-tolerated
• Stable in formulations

Glycerin Comedogenic Rating Explained

Rating	Likelihood of Clogging Pores
0	Will not clog pores
1	Very low
2	Moderately low
3	Moderate
4	Fairly high
5	High

Glycerin has a comedogenic rating of 0, the lowest possible rating. This means:

• It will not clog your pores
• It will not contribute to blackheads or whiteheads
• It is safe for acne-prone skin
• It is safe for all skin types

Why Glycerin Does Not Clog Pores

1. Water-soluble: Glycerin dissolves in water, not oil. Pore-clogging typically occurs with oil-based ingredients that can mix with sebum and dead skin cells.

2. Small molecular size: Glycerin molecules are small enough to hydrate but do not create a physical barrier that traps debris in pores.

3. No fatty acids: Unlike oils and butters, glycerin contains no fatty acids that could potentially clog pores.

4. Attracts water, not oil: Glycerin draws moisture into the skin rather than adding oily substances.

Benefits of Glycerin for Skin

1. Intense Hydration

Glycerin is one of the most effective humectants available. It can increase skin hydration by:

• Drawing water from the air (in humid conditions)
• Pulling water from deeper skin layers to the surface
• Reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL)

2. Strengthens Skin Barrier

A healthy skin barrier is essential for acne-prone skin. Glycerin supports barrier function by:

• Maintaining optimal hydration levels
• Filling gaps between skin cells
• Supporting the skin's natural repair processes

3. Improves Skin Texture

Regular use of glycerin-containing products can:

• Smooth rough patches
• Reduce flakiness
• Create a more even skin surface

4. Soothes Irritation

Glycerin has mild soothing properties that can help calm:

• Irritation from acne treatments
• Dryness from cleansers
• Environmental stress

5. Enhances Product Absorption

As a humectant, glycerin helps other ingredients penetrate and work more effectively by maintaining optimal skin hydration.

Glycerin for Acne-Prone Skin: Benefits and Considerations

Why Glycerin is Good for Acne-Prone Skin

1. Non-comedogenic: Zero risk of pore-clogging.

2. Supports acne treatment: Acne treatments like retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid can be drying. Glycerin counteracts this without adding oils.

3. Lightweight hydration: Unlike heavy creams, glycerin provides hydration without a greasy feel.

4. Barrier support: A healthy barrier can better resist bacteria and irritation.

Potential Considerations

Dry climates: In very dry environments (low humidity), glycerin may draw water from your skin rather than the air. To prevent this:

• Layer glycerin products under an occlusive moisturizer
• Avoid using pure glycerin without sealing it in
• Consider products with glycerin combined with occlusives

Sticky feeling: High concentrations of glycerin can feel tacky. Modern formulations balance glycerin with other ingredients to minimize this.

How Glycerin Compares to Other Humectants

Humectant	Comedogenic Rating	Benefits	Considerations
Glycerin	0	Effective, affordable, stable	Can be sticky in high amounts
Hyaluronic acid	0	Powerful hydration, plumping	More expensive
Propylene glycol	0	Enhances penetration	May irritate sensitive skin
Butylene glycol	0	Lightweight feel	May irritate very sensitive skin
Sodium PCA	0	Natural to skin	Less common
Honey	0	Antibacterial, soothing	Not vegan

Glycerin is often preferred because it is effective, inexpensive, well-tolerated, and stable in formulations.

Products Containing Glycerin

Glycerin appears in nearly every category of skincare:

Cleansers

Glycerin helps prevent the tight, dry feeling after cleansing. It allows effective cleansing without stripping the skin.

Toners

Glycerin-based toners provide lightweight hydration as a first step after cleansing.

Serums

Many hydrating serums combine glycerin with hyaluronic acid for enhanced moisture.

Moisturizers

Glycerin is a staple in most moisturizer formulas, providing the humectant component.

Sunscreens

Glycerin helps counteract the drying effect some sunscreen ingredients can have.

Makeup

Foundations and primers often contain glycerin for a smooth, hydrated base.

How to Use Glycerin in Your Routine

Best Practices

1. Apply to damp skin: Like all humectants, glycerin works best when applied to slightly wet skin.

2. Layer properly: Apply glycerin-based products before heavier creams and oils.

3. Seal it in: Follow with a moisturizer containing occlusives (like petrolatum, dimethicone, or natural oils) to lock in hydration.

4. Do not use pure glycerin alone: Undiluted glycerin can be too strong and actually draw water from your skin.

Sample Routine for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

Morning:

• Gentle cleanser (with glycerin)
• Hydrating toner (with glycerin)
• Lightweight moisturizer
• Sunscreen

Evening:

• Gentle cleanser
• Acne treatment (retinoid, benzoyl peroxide, etc.)
• Hydrating serum (with glycerin)
• Moisturizer

Reading Ingredient Labels: Where to Find Glycerin

On ingredient lists, glycerin typically appears:

• In the first 5 ingredients: Product contains a significant amount
• In the middle of the list: Present but not a primary ingredient
• Near the end: Small amount, primarily for formula stability

Glycerin may also be listed as:

• Glycerol
• Glycerine
• Vegetable glycerin
• Glyceryl

Can Glycerin Cause Breakouts?

Glycerin itself does not cause breakouts. However, you might experience breakouts from a glycerin-containing product if:

Other Ingredients Are Comedogenic

The product may contain other pore-clogging ingredients. Common culprits:

• Coconut oil (rating 4)
• Cocoa butter (rating 4)
• Isopropyl myristate (rating 5)
• Certain silicones

Allergic or Sensitivity Reaction

Rarely, individuals may have a sensitivity to glycerin. Signs include:

• Redness
• Itching
• Small bumps (different from typical acne)

Contaminated or Expired Product

Always check expiration dates and store products properly.

Glycerin Myths Debunked

Myth 1: Glycerin is too heavy for oily skin

Truth: Glycerin is water-based and does not add oil to your skin. It is actually ideal for oily skin that needs hydration without heaviness.

Myth 2: Glycerin can dry out your skin

Truth: This only happens if you use pure glycerin in a very dry environment without sealing it in. Normal product formulations prevent this.

Myth 3: Vegetable glycerin is better than synthetic

Truth: Chemically, all glycerin is identical regardless of source. There is no functional difference on the skin.

Myth 4: You should avoid glycerin if you have oily skin

Truth: Oily skin often lacks water (dehydration) even if it has excess oil. Glycerin addresses dehydration without adding oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is glycerin safe for sensitive skin?

Yes, glycerin is one of the gentlest and most well-tolerated skincare ingredients. It is suitable for sensitive skin and is often used in products formulated for eczema and rosacea.

Can I use glycerin with retinol?

Absolutely. Glycerin can help counteract the dryness and irritation that retinol sometimes causes. Apply glycerin-containing products before or after retinol.

Is glycerin vegan?

Vegetable glycerin (from plant sources) is vegan. Check the product label or contact the manufacturer if this is important to you.

Can glycerin cause fungal acne?

No, glycerin is fungal acne safe. It does not feed the Malassezia yeast that causes fungal acne.

How much glycerin is too much?

In formulated products, glycerin concentrations are balanced for optimal benefit. Using multiple glycerin-containing products is generally fine. Issues only arise with pure, undiluted glycerin.

Can glycerin replace moisturizer?

No. Glycerin is a humectant that attracts water, but you still need an occlusive (like a moisturizer) to seal that water in and prevent evaporation.

The Bottom Line

Glycerin is one of the safest and most effective hydrating ingredients in skincare. With a comedogenic rating of 0, it poses no risk of clogging pores and is suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone skin.

For acne-prone skin specifically, glycerin offers lightweight hydration that does not contribute to oiliness, supports the skin barrier, and works well alongside acne treatments. It is inexpensive, well-tolerated, and found in countless products.

When using glycerin-containing products, remember to apply them to damp skin and follow with a moisturizer to seal in the hydration.

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Curious what other ingredients are in your favorite products? Use SCRNE to scan ingredient lists and instantly check comedogenic ratings and potential concerns for your skin type.

Sources

1. Lodén, M., & Maibach, H. I. "Dry Skin and Moisturizers: Chemistry and Function." CRC Press, 2nd Edition, 2005.

2. Fluhr, J. W., et al. "Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions." British Journal of Dermatology, vol. 159, no. 1, 2008, pp. 23-34. PubMed

3. Rawlings, A. V., & Harding, C. R. "Moisturization and skin barrier function." Dermatologic Therapy, vol. 17, no. s1, 2004, pp. 43-48. PubMed

4. Cosmetic Ingredient Review. "Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Glycerin as Used in Cosmetics." CIR Expert Panel

5. American Academy of Dermatology. "Dermatologists' top tips for relieving dry skin." AAD.org