Glycerin, glycerine and glycerol are names for the same substance. The practical distinction is between glycerin in a moisturizer and a medicated glycerin gel, which has its own directions.2

What does glycerin do for skin?

Glycerin is a humectant, meaning it attracts and retains water. That makes it useful for dry skin. Glycerol is also a helpful moisturizer ingredient for atopic dermatitis, a form of eczema associated with dryness and a weakened skin barrier. It helps keep the outer skin layer hydrated and prevents excessive water loss. Other ingredients serve different roles: ceramides help restore the barrier's lipid layers, while petrolatum reduces water evaporation. Glycerin contributes hydration rather than replacing every other part of a moisturizer.3

Moisturizers come as lotions, creams, gels and ointments, so the moisturizing aisle has several ways to say "moisturizer". Lotions suit mild dryness; ointments offer more protection for very dry areas. Moisturizers can also form a base for makeup, a second job that does not need its own jar.1

How should you use a glycerin moisturizer?

  1. 1Apply the moisturizer immediately after bathing to help retain water in the skin.
  2. 2Match application frequency to dryness. Slightly dry skin can need only a light moisturizer at night; greater dryness needs more frequent application.
  3. 3Reapply regularly rather than expecting one application to last indefinitely. Moisturizers have their greatest therapeutic effects in the first six hours.
1

Can glycerin products irritate skin?

Sensitive skin can burn or sting with moisturizers. Stop using a product if an inflamed, itchy rash develops. Fragrances, preservatives or other components can be responsible; a reaction does not automatically identify glycerin as the cause. A clinician can investigate a suspected contact allergy with patch testing.1

What if you mean medicated glycerin gel?

Medicated glycerin gel is used to relieve skin irritation. Follow its label: apply a thin film, wash your hands before and after use, and do not use it more often than directed. It is for external use only, not swallowing. Keep it out of your eyes; rinse with plenty of cool tap water if contact occurs.2

Before using medicated gel, tell your care team about previous allergic reactions, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or bite, deep or puncture wounds. Ask about use in children. Interactions are not expected, but share your medicines and supplements with your care team. Seek medical advice if symptoms worsen, fail to improve, or require treatment beyond 14 days. Report rash, itching, hives or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat promptly.2

Does glycerin go bad?

For medicated glycerin gel, discard unused medication after its expiration date and store it at 20 to 25 degrees C. Creams and lotions are susceptible to microbial contamination, which is why they contain preservatives to improve shelf life. Use the storage and expiry instructions for the actual product rather than treating all glycerin products as interchangeable.12

Where this answer comes from

  1. 1Emollients and Moisturizers (Moisturisers)dermnetnz.org
  2. 2Glycerin Gelmy.clevelandclinic.org
  3. 3Barrier function in atopic dermatitisdermnetnz.org