It's a lie that glycerin is bad for acne-prone skin

Does glycerin make acne worse?

Glycerin increases acne bacteria, so it is not recommended for acne-prone skin.
We often see information like that. But is it true?

In the first place, I have never seen such data or research results in overseas papers.
In other words, it may be information unique to Japan, or it may be information with little evidence.

In this article, we will take an evidence-based look at how glycerin is viewed overseas.

What is Glycerin?

Glycerin, also known as glycerol, is a natural humectant found in many skin care products. It is a naturally occurring compound derived from vegetable oils and animal fats.

It is a colorless, transparent, odorless syrupy liquid with a sweet taste.

It is said to have a moisturizing effect by drawing moisture from deep within the skin and from the air to the surface of the skin and trapping it there.

Moisturizing effect of glycerin

A 2016 study compared glycerin to other moisturizers and concluded that glycerin was the most effective moisturizer for increasing surface moisture in the skin:

• AHAs (fruit acids) such as lactic acid and glycolic acid
• Hyaluronic acid
• PG (Propylene Glycol)
• BG (Butylene Glycol)
• Sorbitol
• urea

Other skin benefits

Glycerin not only has a moisturizing effect, but it may also have the following benefits for the skin:

• Enhances the skin's barrier function
• Protection from skin irritation
• Promotes wound healing
• Effective against psoriasis

Effective against acne-prone skin

Especially in the West, we often see information that says "glycerin is effective against acne-prone skin." This is the exact opposite of Japan. Let's take a look at its specific effects and the evidence.

Anti-inflammatory properties

First, a 2015 study on mice showed that glycerin may have anti-inflammatory properties. Though more research is needed, it may help reduce the redness and inflammation associated with acne.

Antibacterial properties

Another study, also from 2015 , looked at the antibacterial properties of glycerin and found that, like PG, glycerin has antibacterial properties against certain germs, and may even inhibit acne-causing bacteria.

Improved drying

Acne can also be caused by dry skin. A 2017 study showed that glycerin is effective against dry skin and also helps to improve the skin's barrier function . It has also been shown to have a sustained moisturizing effect, which may help prevent acne caused by dryness from worsening.

Glycerin Safety

Glycerin was first created by a Swedish scientist in 1779. It began to be used in cosmetics and health care soon after, so it is a cosmetic ingredient with a very long history of use.

There has been a lot of research into its safety, and it is known to be a safe ingredient for most people to use .

According to a survey by CIR , which evaluates the safety of cosmetic ingredients, the maximum concentration of glycerin in commercially available skin care products is 78.5%. Although this is a very high concentration for a cosmetic ingredient, it is still reported to be safe for most people.

Even if it is used in high concentrations, it is considered a safe ingredient.

However, there is no cosmetic ingredient that can be said to be 100% safe for everyone. There have been rare cases of allergic reactions to glycerin, which is not a problem for most people.

summary

In conclusion, there is no evidence that glycerin worsens acne.

When it comes to the skin care products you use every day, it's important not to be misled by too much information, but to choose products that suit your skin type and condition.

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