Is Glycerin Comedogenic?
Comedogenic rating: 0/5 — Non-comedogenic
Glycerin is a humectant that draws water into the skin to hydrate it. In cosmetics it is typically found in serums, essences, moisturizers and toners. On a label it may also appear as glycerine, glycerol.
| Comedogenic rating | 0/5 — Non-comedogenic |
|---|---|
| Pore-clogging | Unlikely |
| Fungal-acne safe | Yes |
| Category | Humectant |
| Also known as | glycerine, glycerol |
Is Glycerin comedogenic?
No — Glycerin scores 0 out of 5 on the comedogenic scale. It is considered non-comedogenic and will not clog pores for the overwhelming majority of users, which makes it a reliable choice for acne-prone, oily and congestion-prone skin.
Does Glycerin cause fungal acne?
Glycerin is generally considered fungal-acne (Malassezia) safe. It is not among the oils, fatty acids or polysorbates known to feed Malassezia yeast, so it should not aggravate fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) for most people.
Should you use Glycerin if you're acne-prone?
Glycerin is suitable for virtually all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. You can generally use it with confidence in daily skincare.
How Glycerin compares to other humectants
| Ingredient | Rating | Pore-clogging |
|---|---|---|
| Glycerin | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Butylene Glycol | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Hyaluronic Acid | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Panthenol | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Propylene Glycol | 0/5 | Unlikely |
Frequently asked questions
Is Glycerin comedogenic?
No — Glycerin scores 0 out of 5 on the comedogenic scale. It is considered non-comedogenic and will not clog pores for the overwhelming majority of users, which makes it a reliable choice for acne-prone, oily and congestion-prone skin.
Does Glycerin cause fungal acne?
Glycerin is generally considered fungal-acne (Malassezia) safe. It is not among the oils, fatty acids or polysorbates known to feed Malassezia yeast, so it should not aggravate fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) for most people.
Is Glycerin safe for acne-prone skin?
Glycerin is suitable for virtually all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. You can generally use it with confidence in daily skincare.
What products is Glycerin found in?
Glycerin is a humectant that draws water into the skin to hydrate it, and is commonly found in serums, essences, moisturizers and toners.
What can I use instead of Glycerin?
Look for non-comedogenic emollients rated 0–1 such as squalane, glycerin, hemp seed oil or sunflower oil.
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