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Published on May 30, 2025 |10 min read

Glycerin vs. Hyaluronic Acid - Which Is Best for Your Skin?

IN THIS ARTICLE:

Both glycerin and hyaluronic acid hydrate, but they work differently. Glycerin is a smaller molecule that draws moisture from both the air and the lower skin layers. It's great for providing long-lasting hydration, strengthening your skin's barrier, and hydrating without feeling heavy. Hyaluronic acid is a larger molecule that holds 1,500 times its weight in water. Larger molecules stay on the surface, plumping the skin and adding radiance, while smaller molecules go deeper to boost your skin's own natural hyaluronic acid production.

You've likely seen glycerin and hyaluronic acid in your go-to skincare products. But which is better? While both are essential for deep hydration and healthy skin, the answer depends on your skin's specific needs. We’ll help you understand each ingredient's properties, differences, and how they work together to help you effectively integrate them into your daily skincare routine.

What Exactly Is Glycerin?

Glycerin, also called glycerol, is a natural compound found in our bodies. It plays an essential role in helping to build cell membranes and is part of the skin's natural protective layer, called the hydrolipidic film. This film acts as a natural protective barrier, reducing water loss and helping to keep the skin soft, hydrated, and balanced.

Glycerin has been one of the most widely used ingredients in skincare for decades. This is because of its effectiveness and gentleness, even on sensitive skin.

The Benefits of Glycerin for Your Skin

Glycerin is a powerful humectant, meaning it attracts and retains moisture in the upper layers of the skin. This quality helps keep your skin from getting dry and irritated and prevents the breakdown of the skin barrier. As a result, it helps make the skin more elastic, radiant, and resilient to external stressors. It’s great for oily skin because it adds hydration without extra oil or a heavy feel, and, by keeping skin properly moisturized, glycerin can even help balance oil production.

But glycerin doesn't just bring water in; it also helps your skin hold onto that moisture. It reinforces the barrier that keeps water from escaping, which strengthens your skin's outer layer and prevents it from getting dehydrated. Even though it helps trap moisture, glycerin is non-comedogenic, so it does not clog your pores. Instead, it keeps the skin hydrated without interfering with normal oxygenation or the skin’s natural cell turnover.

Are There Any Downsides to Glycerin?

Glycerin is generally very safe and has few reported side effects. However, when its concentration is too high (above 10%) or the climate is extremely dry, it can actually do the opposite of what you want. Instead of pulling moisture into your skin, it might pull water out of the deeper layers of your skin. This could leave your skin feeling drier and more fragile over time. If a product has a high concentration, make sure it’s paired with occlusive ingredients, such as plant oils or butters, which help "seal" moisture into the skin

A Closer Look at Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a large sugar-based molecule that's a natural and essential part of our skin's structure, and it can hold up to 1,500 times its weight in water. 50% of the hyaluronic acid in our body is found in the skin, where it plays a crucial role in maintaining firmness, elasticity, and high levels of hydration.

Around the age of 25, we begin to gradually lose some of the natural hyaluronic acid in our skin. This decrease can lead to a loss of skin volume, dehydration, and the appearance of the first wrinkles. That's where skincare products with hyaluronic acid come in.

Cosmetic scientists have figured out how to make better, stronger versions of hyaluronic acid that are more effective and resilient with improved moisturizing properties.

For example, in the Skin Regimen Lx HA4 Jelly Serum has included three innovative forms of this molecule that work on every layer of the skin.

Macro Hyaluronic Acid: High molecular weight, it works on the skin’s surface to provide immediate hydration and a significant plumping effect.
Micro Hyaluronic Acid: Low molecular weight, it penetrates the epidermal layers to deliver deep hydration and also stimulates the skin’s natural synthesis of hyaluronic acid.
Cross-linked Hyaluronic Acid: A cross-linked molecule that is more resistant to enzymatic degradation, offering longer-lasting moisturizing and plumping effects.

What Can Hyaluronic Acid Do for Your Skin?

Hyaluronic acid works alongside collagen and elastin to maintain the skin's firmness and elasticity. Larger hyaluronic acid molecules tend to stay on the skin's surface, where they form a hydrating film that boosts radiance, smoothness, and firmness, giving your complexion a vibrant look. Smaller molecules, however, can penetrate deeper into the skin. Once inside, they encourage your skin to produce more of its own hyaluronic acid, leading to increased moisture levels, improved elasticity, and a noticeable plumping effect.

Beyond its hydrating benefits, hyaluronic acid can help acne-prone skin by:

Hydrating it without the use of oil.
Supporting a healthy skin barrier, making it less prone to irritation and breakouts.
Brightening skin by keeping it well-hydrated and supporting healthy skin and cell turnover. This can indirectly help fade dark spots over time.

Are There Any Downsides To Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid is generally very well-tolerated and doesn't usually cause side effects. However, those with sensitive skin might experience mild reactions like redness, irritation, or itching. If this happens, it's best to stop using the product right away.

What Is the Difference Between Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid?

Even though both glycerin and hyaluronic acid are great for skin hydration, they work differently. Think of it this way: while both help quench your skin's thirst, glycerin is like a gulp of water, and hyaluronic acid is like a deep reservoir of moisture.

CHARACTERISTICS

GLYCERIN

HYALURONIC ACID

Chemical Nature

Small molecule with moisturizing effect.

High molecular weight substance, gel-like consistency.

Molecular Weight

Around 92 daltons (very light)

From 3,000 to 2,000,000 daltons, depending on the type.

Structure

Simple molecule with 3 groups that bind water molecules (-OH)

Molecule made of complex sugars with numerous groups that bind water molecules (-OH).

Function

Draws water from surrounding environments.

Retains a large amount of water, providing volume and hydration to the skin.

Skin Penetration

Easily penetrates the superficial layers of the skin

Can remain on the surface or penetrate the skin depending on the type and size.

Glycerin vs. Hyaluronic Acid - Guidelines for Your Skin Type

Both glycerin and hyaluronic acid are excellent for all skin types, and using them together is often more effective than using just one. Here's how they can benefit specific skin types:

Dry skin: Both offer deep, lasting hydration and support your skin's barrier.
Oily and acne-prone skin: Lightweight hyaluronic acid provides non-greasy moisture, though glycerin in lighter formulas is also helpful.
Combination skin: You can use both strategically—hyaluronic acid where needed and glycerin for drier areas.
Sensitive skin: Both are generally well-tolerated and help strengthen the skin's protective barrier.
Mature skin: A combination is highly recommended; hyaluronic acid plumps fine lines, while glycerin provides robust, long-lasting hydration.

The best choice depends less on the ingredient itself and more on its concentration and how it's formulated. For example, too high a concentration, especially on sensitive skin, can actually overwhelm your skin's barrier, leading to redness or irritation.

The Final Verdict: Glycerin or Hyaluronic Acid, Which Is Superior?

The simple answer is: neither is definitively "better." There's no single winner between glycerin and hyaluronic acid in skincare because the best choice depends on your skin’s specific needs. The best products often use both, as they work even better together to restore your skin’s natural radiance and fullness.

Glycerin vs. Hyaluronic Acid – Are They Complementary?

Yes, glycerin and hyaluronic acid are complementary, and they work best together. The combined hydration from glycerin and hyaluronic acid reaches all layers of the skin, keeping it healthy and plump while helping to prevent environmental damage, imperfections, and signs of aging.

Relevant Solution From Comfort Zone

The HA4 Jelly Serum from our Skin Regimen LX line perfectly shows how glycerin and hyaluronic acid can work together in a gentle yet powerful way.

This serum delivers deep, long-lasting hydration at every level of your skin thanks to its use of macro, micro, and cross-linked hyaluronic acid. These work with our Longevity Complex™ and snow mushroom extract to give you an immediate 41.9% boost in hydration and a natural plumping effect on wrinkles and fine lines.

The Hydramemory Water Source Serum is another example of how glycerin and hyaluronic acid can help your skin adapt and stay well-hydrated and bright, no matter the environmental conditions.

This fresh, light serum provides hydration and glow even to the most dehydrated and dull skin thanks to prickly pear extract and, most importantly, macro-hyaluronic acid. This combination ensures an 83% increase in immediate hydration and a 32% boost in radiance.

Discover our hydrating and replumping treatments here

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Glycerin vs. Hyaluronic Acid - Which Is Best for Your Skin?

Eve Merinville