Does glycerin clog pores?

What does glycerin do for your skin?

Glycerin, also called glycerol or glycerine, is a humectant, meaning it attracts and retains water in the skin's outer layer. Its role in a moisturizer is hydration. Other ingredients help soften the skin or reduce water loss, so a moisturizer can do several jobs without every ingredient doing the same thing.23

Glycerin appears in moisturizers made for acne prone skin, including lightweight gels and fluid lotions. Moisturizers and acne treatments have different jobs, which is why one bottle does not automatically get promoted to the whole routine. A hydrating ingredient is not a reason to expect a product to unclog pores or clear acne.12

Can a moisturizer with glycerin still cause breakouts?

Yes. Some skin care products cause acne, and occlusive moisturizers, which form a protective layer on the skin, can cause or aggravate it. Glycerin's presence does not tell you how the rest of the formula will behave. If a product causes new breakouts, stop using that product rather than assuming every glycerin containing moisturizer will do the same.34

Look for a moisturizer labelled 'noncomedogenic', 'won't clog pores', or 'oil free'. Noncomedogenic means formulated to avoid clogging pores, but the claim is not regulated. Use the label to narrow your choices, then consider the full ingredient list and whether the finished product suits your skin.15

How should you use a glycerin moisturizer?

1. 1Choose an acne friendly moisturizer. Lightweight gels or fluid lotions are common options for acne prone skin.
2. 2Wash gently with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water. Avoid scrubbing or repeated washing to try to prevent clogged pores.
3. 3Leave a little water on your skin, then apply moisturizer to help retain that moisture.
4. 4Use moisturizer every day when your skin feels dry. Applying after washing is useful; slightly dry skin can need only a light moisturizer at night.

Moisturizer is particularly useful if benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, adapalene, tretinoin or isotretinoin leaves your skin dry or irritated. Daily moisturizing can help your skin tolerate these treatments. That is a reason to keep suitable hydration in the routine, not to abandon it just because your skin also feels oily.5

What should you expect, and when should you stop?

Expect moisturizing to help dryness, rather than treating glycerin as an acne medicine. Less acne has been seen after 4 to 8 weeks in routines combining an acne friendly moisturizer, cleanser and acne medication. That timing belongs to the combined routine, not to glycerin alone, so do not use it as a deadline for a glycerin product to clear your skin.5

Sensitive skin can react to a moisturizer with burning or stinging, and fragrances or preservatives can trigger contact allergy. Stop using a moisturizer if a rash develops. If breakouts persist, the cause is unclear, or acne is leaving scars, see a dermatologist. Acne has several causes, so changing a moisturizer alone will not resolve every breakout.134