Ingredient guide · G

Glycerin

Glycerin, also known as glycerol, is a clear, odourless liquid that acts as a powerful humectant in skincare and haircare. It draws moisture from the air and holds it in the skin, helping to keep products and formulas feeling silky and hydrated. You'll find it in everything from moisturisers and serums to lip balms and shampoos.

Glycerin — Glycerin is naturally derived from plant oils such as coconut, palm or rapeseed through… | UK Lips ingredient guide

How it works in skincare

In cosmetics and skincare, glycerin works by attracting water molecules to the upper layers of the skin through humectant action, preventing moisture loss and maintaining the skin’s natural barrier. It improves the texture of formulations, giving creams a smooth, non-greasy feel while enhancing spreadability and preserving the product’s softness over time. Because it is compatible with most other ingredients, it is widely used across both premium and everyday British beauty products.

Key benefits

  • Intensely hydrates the skin
  • Helps strengthen the skin barrier
  • Improves softness and smoothness
  • Enhances product texture and spreadability
  • Reduces dryness and flakiness
  • Conditions and softens hair

Best for

dry skin, dehydrated skin, sensitive skin, mature skin, normal skin

Where it comes from

Glycerin is naturally derived from plant oils such as coconut, palm or rapeseed through the process of hydrolysis. In the UK beauty industry it is most commonly sourced from sustainable vegetable origins.

Products with Glycerin

Not every product on UK Lips lists a full ingredient breakdown — so there may be many more formulas that contain Glycerin than we can show here. These are the comparisons where we’ve confirmed it in the listed ingredients.

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