Glycerin for Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

A workhorse hydrator that pulls water into your skin. In nearly every good moisturizer for a reason.

Why it works for Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Pulls water into your skin and keeps it hydrated. Glycerin is a humectant your skin already works well with, drawing moisture from the air into the outer layers. It is a main ingredient in many National Eczema Association-approved moisturizers (CeraVe, Cetaphil, Vanicream). In a controlled study (Pan 1997, PMID:9231648), glycerin clearly improved skin hydration and barrier function.

How Glycerin works

Trihydric alcohol humectant that pulls water from the dermis and atmosphere into the stratum corneum.

Evidence

4 citations from our ingredient database. Full citation list on the Glycerin ingredient page.

journal2022

Danby SG et al., Different types of emollient cream exhibit diverse physiological effects on the skin barrier in adults with atopic dermatitis, Clinical and Experimental Dermatology 2022;47(6):1154-1164 — glycerol+urea emollient delivered superior barrier-strengthening and irritant protection

journal2017

Evans NJ et al., Human axillary skin condition is improved following incorporation of glycerol into the stratum corneum from an antiperspirant formulation, Archives of Dermatological Research 2017;309(9):739-748 — 4% glycerol penetrated axillary SC, reduced irritation, improved hydration

review2008

Fluhr JW et al., Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions, British Journal of Dermatology 2008;159(1):23-34 — improves xerosis and barrier function

journal2003

Loden M, Role of topical emollients and moisturizers in the treatment of dry skin barrier disorders, American Journal of Clinical Dermatology 2003;4(11):771-88

Products with Glycerin in our catalog

These are the catalog products that list Glycerin as a tracked ingredient.

La Roche-Posay

Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

$18 · Cleanser

Cetaphil

Gentle Skin Cleanser

$15 · Cleanser

Cetaphil

Daily Facial Cleanser

$14 · Cleanser

Bioderma

Sensibio H2O Micellar Water

$20 · Cleanser

Garnier

SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water

$10 · Cleanser

Youth to the People

Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser

$38 · Cleanser

Full Glycerin guide →Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) overview →