Plant glycerin, also known as vegetable glycerin, is a humectant force in skincare. Derived from plant oils like coconut, palm, or soy—it’s clear, odorless, and deeply hydrating. Here's what makes plant glycerin beneficial for your complexion:

What is Plant Glycerin?

Plant glycerin (glycerol) is a natural sugar alcohol compound. It’s made by breaking down plant fats, often during the soap-making process. In skincare, it’s renowned for its ability to draw and hold moisture in the skin.

How is Plant Glycerin used in skincare?

Plant glycerin is a moisture magnet and barrier booster that’s gentle, effective, and versatile. It’s a staple in any good skincare routine, especially if you’re aiming for that healthy, hydrated glow. Plant glycerin is often paired with hyaluronic acid, panthenol, ceramides, and botanical extracts. Combined with these ingredients, this skincare essential is great for moisturizers, toners, serums, face masks and cleansers. Plant glycerin is also a go-to ingredient in clean beauty and sensitive skin formulas.

What are the benefits of Plant Glycerin for your complexion and skin microbiome?

Plant glycerin is very good for your skin microbiome. It’s gentle, non-disruptive, and helps maintain hydration, which is key to keeping the skin microbiome balanced and healthy. Here’s why it supports your skin ecosystem, among other benefits for your complexion:

• Keeps Skin Hydrated: Your skin microbiome thrives in a moist, well-balanced environment. Plant glycerin is a humectant, which means it pulls moisture into the skin and helps keep it there. This hydration helps good microbes flourish and supports the skin’s natural defenses. Plus, it gives your skin a soft, plump, dewy feel without being greasy.
• Strengthens the Skin Barrier: It supports your skin’s natural lipid barrier, which helps prevent water loss, irritation, flakiness or cracking. A healthy barrier means a stronger defense against pollutants, bacteria, and inflammation—creating a smooth, protected surface where beneficial bacteria can thrive.
• Soothes & Calms: Glycerin has a cooling, calming effect, especially useful for redness, irritated skin, sunburn or windburn. When skin is dry or irritated, bad bacteria can start to overgrow. Glycerin calms inflammation, keeping things in check and allowing healthy microbial communities to rebuild and stabilize.
• Improves Skin Texture Over Time: With regular use, glycerin makes skin feel smoother and more supple. It can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, especially those caused by dehydration.
• Boosts the Effectiveness of Other Ingredients: Plant glycerin helps carry active ingredients deeper into the skin, especially when paired with water-based ingredients like aloe or hyaluronic acid.
• Non-Irritating & pH-Balanced: Plant glycerin is non-toxic, non-sensitizing, and pH-neutral, which means it doesn’t disrupt the acid mantle (your skin’s protective film), and won’t strip away good bacteria like harsher ingredients sometimes do.