Glycerin vs. Hyaluronic Acid: Which ingredient is best for dry skin this winter, according to a derm
When it comes to dry skin, hyaluronic acid and glycerin are two ingredients you’ve probably come across in your favorite moisturizers, serums, cleansers and more.But what does each ingredient really do, and more importantly — which is best for dry skin? I spoke to Dr.
Michele Green, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City, to find out the differences, along with which of the two you should be reaching for during the winter season.Selected.Our top picksBest overallCeraVe Moisturizing Cream$12.61$18.96AmazonLearn moreBest essenceCosrx Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence$undefined$25.00UltaLearn moreBest moisturizer for dry skinLa Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer$undefined$24.99AmazonLearn moreRelatedselectedselected100 best skin care products for sensitive skin, tested and reviewedWant more from NBC Selected? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter.What is glycerin?Glycerin (also known as glycerol) is a naturally-occuring humectant, meaning it pulls water from the deeper layers of the skin and binds it to the skin’s outer layers, says Green.“It occurs naturally in the skin as part of the moisturizing system that keeps the outer layer, called the stratum corneum, soft and flexible,” she says.
It’s a clear, odorless, liquid that supports a healthy skin barrier and improves texture, which is why it’s such a popular skin care ingredient.When used cosmetically, it’s usually derived from plant oils like coconut, soy or palm, and can be found in cleansers, serums, moisturizers and more, says Green.What is hyaluronic acid?Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule that the body naturally produces and stores in the skin, eyes, joint and connective tissue, says Green.
It’s often listed on labels as sodium hyaluronate, and like glycerin, is a humectant that’s great for helping drier skin stay dewy.It can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in moisture, and when applied to damp skin, it locks in all that wat...