Pure Glycerin
Pure Glycerin
Product Description
Product overview
A versatile, 100% pure vegetable-derived glycerin that delivers intense hydration for face, body, and hair. This powerful natural humectant draws moisture from the air to keep skin soft, supple, and beautifully plumped while strengthening your skin's protective barrier.
Intense Hydration
Draws moisture from the air and deeper skin layers to the surface, keeping skin hydrated for hours. Can hold up to 1000x its weight in water.
Texture & feel
SENSORYIntense Hydration
Draws moisture from the air and deeper skin layers to the surface, keeping skin hydrated for hours. Can hold up to 1000x its weight in water.
Barrier Strengthening
Supports and repairs the skin's natural moisture barrier, protecting against environmental stressors and preventing transepidermal water loss.
Plant-Based Formula
100% derived from vegetable sources (palm, coconut, or soybean oil). Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free with no synthetic additives.
Multi-Purpose Use
Versatile enough for face, body, and hair. Also ideal for DIY skincare formulations, homemade soaps, and beauty recipes.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEVegetable-derived glycerin is considered safe for topical use during pregnancy. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, or other pregnancy-restricted ingredients.
Safe for use while breastfeeding. Glycerin is a naturally occurring compound in the skin and poses no known risk to nursing mothers or infants.
Glycerin does NOT feed Malassezia yeast. Its 3-carbon chain structure is too short for fungal metabolism. Scientific research confirms it's safe for fungal acne-prone skin.
Comedogenic rating of 0. Will not clog pores or cause acne breakouts. Suitable for all skin types including oily and acne-prone skin.
Best applied to damp skin after cleansing or showering. In very dry climates, dilute with water or rose water to prevent glycerin from drawing moisture from deeper skin layers.
Do not apply directly to the eye area. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water. Discontinue use if irritation develops.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSGlycerin (Glycerol) 100%Gold Standard
A naturally occurring polyol (sugar alcohol) that serves as a powerful humectant and skin-identical ingredient. Found naturally in all living tissues and essential for healthy skin barrier function.
- 2016 Study: Found glycerin to be the "most effective humectant" compared to AHAs and hyaluronic acid for stratum corneum hydration.
- 2003 Research: Demonstrated that glycerin replacement corrected defective skin hydration, elasticity, and barrier function in AQP3-deficient mice.
- 2017 Clinical Trial: A combination with hyaluronic acid showed 24-hour lasting hydration and improved barrier function.
- EWG Score: 0 (lowest hazard rating) - considered one of the safest skincare ingredients.
- CIR Assessment: Rated as "Safe as used in cosmetics" with no safety concerns.
1 ingredient
Glycerin
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply to damp skin immediately after cleansing/toning for best absorption. Can also be mixed with other products or used as a final occlusive layer.
How to use
HOW TO USEPrepare Your Skin
Cleanse your face or shower to prepare skin. Keep skin slightly damp - this is crucial for glycerin to work effectively as a humectant.
Dilute If Needed
For facial use, mix 2-3 drops with rose water, micellar water, or plain water (1:3 ratio recommended). Pure glycerin can be used directly on body in humid climates.
Apply Gently
For face: Apply diluted glycerin with a cotton pad or fingertips, avoiding eye area. For body: Massage onto damp skin until absorbed. For hair: Apply a few drops to ends or scalp.
Seal With Moisturizer
Follow with your regular moisturizer or facial oil to lock in the hydration. This occlusive layer prevents moisture from escaping.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have dry, dehydrated, or flaky skin
- You want a simple, one-ingredient hydrating product
- You enjoy DIY skincare or making your own formulations
- You have sensitive skin that reacts to complex formulas
- You need an affordable, multi-purpose moisturizer
- You have eczema, psoriasis, or extremely dry patches
- You want to boost hydration in dry winter months
- You prefer vegan and cruelty-free products
Consider alternatives if:
- You prefer ready-to-use products without mixing
- You live in extremely dry/arid climates (below 50% humidity)
- You dislike the thick, syrupy texture
- You want additional active ingredients like vitamins or acids
- You prefer lightweight, water-like serums
- You want anti-aging benefits beyond hydration
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESIdeal for dry skin. Draws and locks in moisture to combat dryness, flakiness, and rough texture. Helps restore skin's natural moisture balance.
Non-comedogenic and won't clog pores. Use in diluted form to hydrate without adding excess oil. May feel too heavy if used undiluted.
Balances hydration across different face zones. Apply more on dry areas and less on oily T-zone. Helps normalize moisture levels throughout.
Single-ingredient formula minimizes risk of irritation. Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. Has anti-inflammatory properties to soothe reactive skin.
0 comedogenic rating means it won't trigger breakouts. Safe for fungal acne (malassezia). Provides hydration without clogging pores or feeding yeast.
Plumps fine lines temporarily through hydration. Improves skin elasticity and suppleness. Best combined with anti-aging actives for comprehensive care.
Results timeline
MONTH 2+Instant Hydration Boost
Skin feels immediately softer and more supple. Surface-level hydration is visible, with a dewy, plumped appearance.
95% noticedImproved Skin Texture
Dry patches begin to smooth out. Skin feels consistently hydrated throughout the day. Rough, flaky areas show improvement.
85% noticedBarrier Strengthening
Skin barrier function improves, with reduced sensitivity to environmental factors. Skin retains moisture more effectively on its own.
75% noticedLong-Term Skin Health
Sustained improvement in overall skin hydration and elasticity. Fewer dry skin flare-ups. Healthier-looking complexion with natural glow.
70% noticedRatings by platform
5K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Incredible value for money - large size lasts months
- Transforms extremely dry, "alligator-like" skin to soft and smooth
- Helps with eczema, psoriasis, and chronic dryness
- Single pure ingredient - no hidden additives
- Versatile for face, body, hair, and DIY recipes
- Non-comedogenic and fungal acne safe
- Vegan, cruelty-free, and UK-made
- Works well layered under other products
- Makes skin look plumper and more youthful
Criticized
- Must be diluted or applied to damp skin - not ready-to-use
- Very sticky/tacky if used undiluted on dry skin
- Not effective in extremely low-humidity environments
- Simple bottle design can lead to over-dispensing
- Takes longer to absorb than water-based products
- No additional active ingredients (purely hydrating)
- Some packaging issues reported during shipping
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Same 100% pure vegetable glycerin formula. Available in larger 16oz size for better value. Derived from non-GMO palm, grape seed, or coconut oil. US-based brand.
USDA Organic certified option. Same pure glycerin formula with organic sourcing. Eco-friendly brand ethos. Available in 8oz size. Vegan and gluten-free.
Coconut-derived organic glycerin. Comes in 24oz size for best per-ounce value. Non-GMO, Kosher, and cold-pressed. Premium brand positioning with same active ingredient.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
24 MONTHS24 months after opening. Pure glycerin has excellent stability and does not easily oxidize or degrade.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep bottle tightly closed after each use to prevent moisture absorption from air.
Plastic squeeze bottle with flip-top cap. Allows controlled dispensing but may require care to avoid over-pouring the viscous liquid.
No, 200ml exceeds 100ml carry-on limit. Decant into smaller container for travel or pack in checked luggage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, vegetable-derived glycerin is considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or other ingredients that are restricted during pregnancy. Glycerin is a naturally occurring compound in the skin and has been used safely in cosmetics for over 200 years. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has assessed glycerin as safe for cosmetic use. However, as with any skincare product, consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
Yes, glycerin is confirmed safe for fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis). Scientific research shows that glycerin has a 3-carbon chain structure that is too short for Malassezia yeast to metabolize and use as a food source. Unlike fatty acids with longer carbon chains (C11-C24), glycerin does not promote fungal growth. In fact, some studies suggest glycerin may even have mild antifungal properties. This product is safe for those with pityrosporum folliculitis.
Yes, glycerin is compatible with virtually all other skincare ingredients including retinol, vitamin C, AHAs (glycolic acid, lactic acid), and BHAs (salicylic acid). As a simple humectant with no active properties that could interact negatively, glycerin actually helps buffer and hydrate skin when using potentially irritating actives. Apply glycerin to damp skin first, then layer your active treatments on top. The hydration boost can help reduce irritation from stronger ingredients.
Glycerin is excellent for all skin types, but particularly beneficial for dry, dehydrated, sensitive, and combination skin. Those with extremely dry skin, eczema, or psoriasis often see the most dramatic results. Oily and acne-prone skin types can also use glycerin safely since it's non-comedogenic (comedogenic rating of 0), but should use it in diluted form to avoid a heavy feeling. The key is application technique: always apply to damp skin and follow with a moisturizer.
Hydration results are immediate - you'll feel softer, more supple skin right after the first application. Surface-level plumpness and dewiness appear within minutes. For lasting improvements in skin texture and barrier function, expect to see noticeable changes within 1-2 weeks of consistent use. Long-term benefits like improved skin elasticity and reduced dryness typically become apparent after 3-4 weeks of regular application. Severely dry skin conditions may take 6-8 weeks to show full improvement.
Apply glycerin after cleansing and toning, but before serums and moisturizers. The key is to apply it to damp skin immediately after washing your face or stepping out of the shower. Glycerin works as a humectant by drawing moisture from the environment into your skin, so damp skin provides that initial moisture source. After applying glycerin, wait 1-2 minutes for absorption, then layer your other products on top. Always finish with a moisturizer or oil to seal in the hydration.
No, glycerin has a comedogenic rating of 0 out of 5, meaning it will not clog pores or cause acne breakouts. It's one of the safest moisturizing ingredients for acne-prone skin. Glycerin is also non-irritating (irritancy score of 0) and doesn't trigger inflammatory responses. The EWG (Environmental Working Group) rates glycerin as 0 (lowest hazard), and the CIR has confirmed it as safe for cosmetic use. However, always patch test new products if you have highly reactive skin.
Pure glycerin has an excellent shelf life of approximately 24 months (2 years) after opening. Glycerin is highly stable and does not easily oxidize or degrade like some other skincare ingredients. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and keep the bottle tightly closed after use to prevent it from absorbing moisture from the air (glycerin is hygroscopic). There are no preservatives needed since pure glycerin is naturally resistant to microbial growth.
Verdict: Nature Spell Pure Glycerin is an exceptional value for anyone seeking pure, effective hydration. As a single-ingredient product backed by over 200 years of use and extensive scientific research, it delivers on its promise of intense moisture. The 100% vegetable-derived formula is pregnancy-safe, fungal acne-safe, and non-comedogenic - making it suitable for virtually everyone. While it requires learning proper application technique (always on damp skin, often diluted), the results speak for themselves: dramatically softer, more supple skin at a fraction of the cost of complex hydrating serums. Best for dry skin types and DIY enthusiasts who appreciate simplicity and transparency in their skincare.
Browse related
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|