glycerin vs hyaluronic acid

Glycerin Vs. Hyaluronic Acid – Which One Is Best for Your Skin in 2023?

In the pursuit of healthy and radiant skin, hydration plays a pivotal role. Two ingredients that have gained significant attention in the world of skincare are Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid. Both are renowned for their remarkable abilities to attract and retain moisture, leaving the skin plump, smooth, and revitalized. However, each comes with its unique characteristics and benefits, making it essential to understand their differences to determine which one best suits your skin’s needs.. Keep reading to take a closer look at glycerin vs hyaluronic acid and determine which one is best for your skin in 2023.

What Is Glycerin?

 Glycerin (also known as glycerol) is a naturally-occurring sugar alcohol. It was first discovered in 1783 as a natural by-product of soap manufacturing. It is a clear, odorless liquid that can be derived from plant-based sources or synthetically produced. One of the key features of Glycerin is its capacity to draw moisture from the atmosphere and bind it to the skin, creating a protective barrier that helps prevent moisture loss. This property not only keeps the skin hydrated but also aids in maintaining its suppleness and elasticity.

Glycerin has been used in skincare products for centuries. Its moisturizing properties make it an effective ingredient in lotions, creams, and serums. It is also often used in soaps to cleanse and soften the skin.

What Is Hyaluronic Acid?

You don’t have to keep your finger on the pulse of the skincare industry to know hyaluronic acid is a massively popular ingredient. It is often referred to as the “fountain of youth” in the skincare world, is a naturally occurring substance found in our skin and connective tissues. Its exceptional ability to hold up to a thousand times its weight in water makes it a powerful hydrating agent. When applied topically, Hyaluronic Acid forms a moisture-locking shield, resulting in a plumped-up complexion.

Unlike glycerin, hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. This makes it an incredibly effective ingredient for increasing hydration levels in the skin. 

Glycerin vs Hyaluronic Acid: Which One Is Better?

While both Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid are excellent hydrators, there are some differences to consider. Glycerin tends to have a slightly stickier texture, which might not appeal to everyone, while Hyaluronic Acid is known for its lightweight, easily absorbed consistency. Additionally, individuals with sensitive skin might find Glycerin more suitable, as Hyaluronic Acid can sometimes cause minor irritation if used in higher concentrations.

Glycerin is a great ingredient for those with dry or sensitive skin. It helps to soothe and moisturize the skin without causing irritation. Glycerin is also appropriate with acne-prone skin as it has antibacterial properties that can help to prevent breakouts.

Hyaluronic acid is better suited for those with dehydrated or mature skin. Its ability to hold onto moisture makes it an effective anti-aging ingredient. Hyaluronic acid can also help to plump fine lines and wrinkles, giving the skin a more youthful appearance.

How to Use Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid in Your Skincare Routine

Here are some tips for incorporating these ingredients into your skincare routine:

  • Consider your skin type and concerns
  • Look for products that contain glycerin or hyaluronic acid high on the ingredient list.
  • Layer your skincare products, starting with the lightest consistency and working your way up to heavier creams and oils.
  • Apply glycerin-based products to damp skin to lock in moisture.
  • Use hyaluronic acid before applying moisturizer to increase hydration levels in the skin.

Go for Glycerin if you are seeking an all-around hydrator with a long-standing reputation. In case you desire a deeply penetrating and powerful hydrating agent to combat signs of aging, Hyaluronic Acid might be the ideal choice.

Conclusion

The battle for hydration supremacy between Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid ultimately depends on your skin’s specific needs and your personal preferences. Incorporating either of these ingredients into your skincare routine can work wonders, providing your skin with the much-needed moisture and nourishment for a healthier, more radiant complexion. As always, it is recommended to consult with a dermatologist or skin care professional to determine the best course of action for your unique skin concerns.

Overall, whether you choose to use glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or both, these ingredients can help to keep your skin hydrated and healthy in 2023 and beyond.

FAQs

  1. Are glycerin and hyaluronic acid vegan? While some sources of glycerin and hyaluronic acid are derived from plant sources, others are derived from animal fats or connective tissue. If you are looking for vegan skincare products, be sure to check the ingredient list carefully.
  2. Can I use glycerin and hyaluronic acid during the day or only at night? You can use both glycerin and hyaluronic acid at any time of day. They are both absorbed quickly into the skin, making them ideal for daytime use under makeup.
  3. Can I use glycerin and hyaluronic acid together? Yes, you can use both of them in your skincare routine. They work well together to provide deep hydration and moisture.

3-INGREDIENT DIY FACE MOISTURIZERS

In this post, I’ll walk you through some of the simplest and most effective DIY face moisturizers. I’ll break down the basic ingredients you’ll need to effectively moisturize your skin, and guide you through the steps to apply them in the most beginner-friendly way.

This post won’t cover DIY oil-and-water emulsions, like creams or lotions. While making a cream is not particularly complicated, I wanted to create a beginner-level guide with recipes that anyone—regardless of experience—can easily follow (even if you can’t boil an egg).

Though creating a cream can range from simple to more advanced, it always requires some special tools, a proper emulsifier to mix the water and oil phases, and a preservative. Since creams can be more involved, and not everyone wants to deal with all of that (honestly, I don’t always either), I’ll save that for a separate post.

Here, I’ll explain the difference between hydration and moisturization (and why you need both!) along with an easy way to achieve both without making a cream. After that, I’ll share the 3 most effective hydrators, followed by a simple recipe for creating a customized nourishing oil moisturizer tailored to your skin type.

You’ll only need 3 ingredients (one of which might even be water!) for your DIY face moisturizer.

MOISTURIZING VS. HYDRATING (& WHY YOU NEED BOTH)

The terms moisturizing and hydrating are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to different things.

Hydrators are ingredients that add water to the skin (known as humectants). They help to plump the skin and keep it feeling supple. On the other hand, moisturizers are ingredients that provide emollients (oils) to the skin. These oils help smooth the skin and lock in hydration.

All skin types—dry, normal, and oily—need both hydration and moisture. Skin types are defined by the amount of sebum (natural oils) they produce, but regardless of sebum production, skin can still become dehydrated if it loses too much water.

Even if your skin is hydrated, if it lacks a proper protective barrier (meaning the skin’s natural oil production is insufficient), it can feel dry because the water will evaporate.

Hydrators and moisturizers can be separate products, or they can be combined into one. For example, a cream or lotion blends both water and oil phases, providing hydration (water) and sealing it in with moisture (oil).

However, you don’t need to go through the trouble of making a cream or lotion to create effective DIY face moisturizers.

HOW TO PROPERLY MOISTURIZE YOUR SKIN

To properly moisturize your skin, you need to provide both water and oil. You can do this with a traditional moisturizer (a cream), or for a simpler approach, you can use a hydrating toner (water-based) followed by a nourishing face oil or fat to lock in that hydration, nourish the skin, and smooth it out.

Below is a list of the best and most convenient hydrators and moisturizing oils for creating easy DIY face moisturizers. To use, start by choosing a hydrator from the list to apply as a toner after cleansing your face. While your skin is still damp, apply the face oil of your choice (from the moisturizing oils section). Gently massage it in until fully absorbed.

For added benefits, you can use a quick lymph-draining face massage to help the oils absorb and boost circulation.

MOST EFFECTIVE DIY FACE MOISTURIZERS

THE METHOD

Step 1: Choose one of the hydrating ingredients from the list of hydrators below.

Step 2: Select your carrier and essential oils from the moisturizing oils list.

Step 3: Combine and mix both in your hands before applying to your skin.

Alternatively, apply the hydrator first and follow up with the oil mixture while your skin is still damp.

…and that’s it – easy DIY face moisturizers!

HYDRATORS

Hydrators are ingredients that draw water to the skin (humectants), helping to smooth out wrinkles and lines by plumping the skin. This is the first step after cleansing your face, ensuring your skin gets the hydration it needs.

Pick one of the following hydrators for your DIY moisturizer:

Hyaluronic Acid (HA)
HA is naturally produced by the body to retain collagen and boost hydration. It helps skin heal, prevents water loss, and plumps the skin. You can buy HA powder and make your own, which is often more cost-effective than store-bought products.

  • Basic HA Gel Recipe:
    • 1g of HA powder (approximately 1/4 teaspoon)
    • 100g/ml of distilled water (about 1/2 cup)
      Combine the two and let sit for several hours or overnight. Stir to create a gel, and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Glycerin
Glycerin is a powerful humectant that attracts moisture to the skin. It also helps restore the skin’s barrier function, protecting against irritation and water loss. However, it should be diluted, as pure glycerin can have a drying effect.

  • Basic Glycerin Hydrating Toner:
    • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) glycerin
    • 100 ml distilled water
      Mix in a glass spritz bottle and shake well. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is both a humectant and a powerful skin healer, making it a great addition to your DIY moisturizer. It draws moisture to the skin and can be paired with other ingredients for deeper absorption.

  • How to Use:
    Apply a dollop of aloe vera gel directly to your skin, or use the inner flesh of a fresh aloe vera leaf to rub over your face and neck.

MOISTURIZERS

After hydrating your skin, you’ll need oils or butters to lock in that moisture and protect your skin’s barrier.

Basic Nourishing Face Oil Recipe:

  • 30 ml / 1 oz dark glass bottle with a dropper
  • Choose one or more carrier oils (see list below)
  • Add 6 to 12 drops (1% to 2%) of essential oils
    Shake well and apply half a dropper onto damp skin. Massage until absorbed.

If you prefer butters, melt a small dollop between your hands and apply after the hydrator.

Which Oils to Choose According to Skin Type:

  • Oily or Combination Skin:
    Use lighter oils to avoid clogging pores. Good options include tamanu, jojoba, grapeseed, rosehip, linseed, apricot kernel.
    Essential Oils: Lemon, basil, lavender, rosemary, tea tree, thyme.
  • Normal Skin:
    Opt for oils that are balanced, like pumpkin, almond, sesame, argan, jojoba, sunflower.
    Essential Oils: Lavender, geranium, chamomile.
  • Sensitive or Irritated Skin:
    Use soothing oils like jojoba, rosehip, linseed, or apricot kernel.
    Essential Oils: Chamomile, lavender, frankincense, geranium.
  • Dry Skin:
    Go for heavier, more protective oils and butters like olive, avocado, coconut, sweet almond, or any of the thicker butters (cocoa, shea, mango).
    Essential Oils: Chamomile, myrrh, sandalwood, clary sage.
  • Mature Skin:
    Focus on nourishing oils such as rosehip, argan, jojoba, tamanu, and pomegranate.
    Essential Oils: Lavender, frankincense, myrrh, cypress, neroli.

CONCLUSION

I’ve been using this DIY face moisturizer and it’s still my favorite. It offers endless customization and ensures that my skincare is always fresh and natural. I hope you find it as effective as I do!