For your skin
A workhorse hydrator that pulls water into your skin. In nearly every good moisturizer for a reason.
Want the science? Keep reading ↓Mechanism of action
Trihydric alcohol humectant that pulls water from the dermis and atmosphere into the stratum corneum.
Why we tier this moderate
6 cited papers across 2 countries. The mechanism is well-described and there's at least one controlled trial in the literature, but we tier this Moderate rather than Strong to stay honest about how many specific papers we cite directly.
Layering matrix
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Cited research
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
Youssef R et al., Glycerol 85% efficacy on atopic skin and its microbiome: a randomized controlled trial, Journal of Dermatological Treatment 2021;32(7):730-736 — topical glycerol 85% RCT on atopic skin
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
Lindh JD, Bradley M, Clinical Effectiveness of Moisturizers in Atopic Dermatitis and Related Disorders: A Systematic Review, American Journal of Clinical Dermatology 2015;16(5):341-359 — SR of emollients incl. glycerol for TEWL and stratum corneum hydration
Breternitz M et al., Placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized, prospective study of a glycerol-based emollient on eczematous skin in atopic dermatitis, Skin Pharmacology and Physiology 2008;21(1):39-45 — topical 20% glycerol vs vehicle improved eczematous skin
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
Sources: 10 clinical journals and regulatory databases across the US, EU, Korea, Japan, and China. Every entry points to a specific document. See methodology for the full list and what each outcome label means.