Research Summary
Glycerol is a trihydroxy alcohol that has been used for many years in topical dermatological preparations. In addition, endogenous glycerol plays a role in skin hydration, cutaneous elasticity, and epidermal barrier repair. The aquaporin-3 transport channel and lipid metabolism in the pilosebaceous unit have been identified as potential pathways for endogenous delivery of glycerol and its metabolism in the skin.
Multiple effects of glycerol on the skin have been reported. The diverse actions of the polyol glycerol on the epidermis include improvement of stratum corneum hydration, skin barrier function, and skin mechanical properties. It also inhibits the stratum corneum lipid phase transition, protects against irritating stimuli, enhances desmosomal degradation, and accelerates wound-healing processes. An antimicrobial effect has even been demonstrated.
Topical application of glycerol-containing products improves skin properties in conditions characterized by xerosis and impaired epidermal barrier function, such as atopic dermatitis. The increase in epidermal hydration facilitated by glycerol is especially critical in skin conditions aggravated by dry and cold environmental conditions, such as winter xerosis.
This paper provides a review of the effects of glycerol on the skin, the mechanisms of its action, and the potential applications of glycerol in dermatology.
Keywords: epidermal barrier, hydration, irritation, moisturization, wound healing.
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