Is Glycerin The New Hyaluronic Acid? A Dermatologist Spills The Tea

Hyaluronic acid has been the ‘it’ skincare ingredient for hydrated, plump skin. But a dermatologist says glycerin is the answer for hydrated, glowing skin.

Hyaluronic acid has been a dominating hydrating skincare ingredient with its ability to leave the skin plump and hydrated over the past few years.

Glycerin, on the other hand, is a hydrating ingredient that isn’t spoken about enough and Australian dermatologist Dr. Natasha Cook reveals why she believes glycerin is the ultimate hydrating ingredient.

In the beauty industry, there is always a new ingredient or product that pops up onto the scene that becomes the newest buzz-worthy and must-have chemical our skin needs. Hyaluronic acid has been that buzz-worthy ingredient that we must incorporate into our routine for plump, hydrated skin for nearly 20 years.

In Case You Didn’t Already Know, Here’s A Rundown On Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid became popular within the beauty industry nearly 20 years ago, as it was used in fillers for its great long term-effects in lifting and hydrating deeper levels of the skin, due to its large molecule size. 

It is naturally occurring in our bodies, but as we age, the production of hyaluronic acid decreases, therefore we lose hydration and plumpness within the body and the skin. 

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning it is a substance that attracts and retains moisture into skin. This is why hyaluronic acid evolved into a popular topical skin care ingredient.

Incorporating hyaluronic acid through moisturisers, serums, mists and other skincare products, it has become a must-have skincare ingredient. But is it actually effective in hydrating the skin?

Australian dermatologist Dr Natasha Cook posted on her Instagram, chatting about hyaluronic acid and other alternatives in hydrating ingredients, and how OG hydrating ingredients such as glycerin and shea butter may be better alternatives. 

What is Glycerin?

Glycerin is also a humectant, making it hydrating for the skin.

It works to boost hydration, reduce water loss and reduce irritated skin.

Glycerin is great to add moisture, plumpness and bounce back into the skin.

Hyaluronic Acid vs Glycerin?

We know that glycerin will add moisture into the skin. 

Hyaluronic acid differs as it will retain any existing moisture that already occurs in the skin. 

Meaning, instead of adding hydration to the skin, it will boost and lock in any existing moisture that is already occurring in the skin. Think of it like a booster to help hydrate the skin.

Therefore, using both ingredients will tick all the boxes in adding, and retaining moisture into the skin.

The Verdict: Should We Still use Hyaluronic Acid?

The short answer: yes. 

Hyaluronic acid is lightweight, versatile and hydrating on the skin.

Hyaluronic acid is great for all skin types, including sensitive, acne-prone and even oily skin types to hydrate the skin (because yes- even oily skin types need hydration, click here for hydrating face masks for all skin types).

We recommend incorporating a mix of both humectants hyaluronic acid and glycerin to ensure your skin is as plump, hydrated and supple as can be. 

Luckily, a lot of great products feature both in their ingredients list- so it is easy to tick all the boxes with both ingredients.

Use these hydrating products which are a combination of both glycerin and hyaluronic acid morning and night for healthy, hydrated and glowing skin.

What We Recommend:

If you prefer a rich cream to hydrate the skin, Charlotte’s Magic Cream is going to be your best pick. This moisturiser is packed full of hydrating and plumping ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, as well as shea butter and natural oils.

This is a luxe cream that will make the skin look glowy and dewy.

Or if you like your creams to be super nourishing, but lightweight in texture, try the Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Moisturiser by Peter Thomas Roth RRP $80 with the matching Water Drench Hyaluronic Glow Serum RRP $105 both expertly designed using Pentavitin^® which helps provide hydration for up to 72 hours—even after cleansing.

For an extra hydrating serum has glycerin, hyaluronic acid and ceramides, Drunk Elephant is a good choice as so it provides the perfect balance of all the hydrating ingredients you need to plump up the skin.

An overnight mask that is the secret to waking up with plump, dewy and hydrated skin, is also rich in hydrating humectants such as glycerin and shea butter.

For a bargain option, the CeraVe range is excellent because they have a mix of glycerin, hyaluronic acid as well and ceramides to ensure the skin is hydrated and the skin barrier is healthy. 

This hyaluronic acid serum is lightweight, easy to layer with other products and perfect for daily use.