Glycerin; glycerol (emollient / humectant)

**Glycerin**, also known as **glycerol**, is a **versatile powerhouse** in cosmetics—serving as both a **humectant** and an **emollient**. It’s a **colorless, odorless, viscous liquid** derived from **plant oils or animal fats**, and it’s one of the most widely used ingredients in skincare for good reason.

### 💧 **Key Benefits**:
– **Humectant Action**: Attracts water from the environment and deeper skin layers to the surface, helping to **hydrate and plump** the skin
– **Emollient Properties**: Softens and smooths the skin by filling in micro-cracks in the stratum corneum
– **Barrier Support**: Enhances the **skin’s natural defenses** and helps maintain a **healthy microbiome**
– **Soothing & Non-Irritating**: Well-tolerated even by **sensitive or compromised skin**, and often preferred over hyaluronic acid for its **gentle hydration**

### 🧴 **Where You’ll Find It**:
– **Moisturizers, serums & toners**
– **Cleansers & micellar waters**
– **Lip balms, masks & baby care**
– **Hair conditioners & styling products**

### 🛠️ **Formulation Notes**:
– Water-soluble; added to the **aqueous phase**
– Typically used at **2–10%**, but can go higher in rinse-off products
– Compatible with **niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, panthenol**, and most actives
– **Non-comedogenic**, **biodegradable**, and **eco-friendly**