Glycerin
Primary humectant — the most studied hydration ingredient in cosmetics
Function in skin biology
Glycerin (glycerol) is a small, highly hygroscopic molecule that draws and binds water within the stratum corneum. It is naturally present in skin as part of the natural moisturising factor (NMF) and is one of the most extensively studied humectants in cosmetic science, with a research history spanning decades.
Why Ambernay uses it
Glycerin forms the humectant foundation of Ambernay's hydration architecture. It is selected for its reliability, its compatibility with virtually all other cosmetic ingredients and its consistent performance across humidity conditions — unlike some humectants, glycerin continues to function effectively even in lower-humidity environments.
Where concentration matters
Glycerin is effective from low concentrations (around 3%) up to higher concentrations (10%+), with most leave-on cosmetic formulas using glycerin in the 3–8% range. At very high concentrations in isolation, humectants can occasionally feel tacky on skin — which is why formula balance with emollients matters.
What we do not claim
We do not claim that glycerin treats dehydration as a medical condition or repairs barrier damage. Glycerin in a cosmetic formula is evaluated as a humectant — it supports the visible and felt appearance of hydrated skin, not a clinical outcome.
Used in Ambernay products
- Hydra-Rich Moisturizer — humectant base
- Hydra-Calm Moisturizer — humectant base
Best paired with
Glycerin pairs with panthenol for layered humectancy, and with emollients (squalane) and occlusives (ceramides) to complete the three-tier hydration architecture described in our Humectants, Emollients & Occlusives guide.
Claim caution / regulatory note
Glycerin is a cosmetic humectant with an extensive safety record. Claims must remain within cosmetic function — hydration feel, visible smoothness, comfort. It does not qualify for medical or therapeutic claims.