Quick answer
Composed of skin-loving glycerin and glucose; A humectant that draws moisture to skin; Ensures balanced hydration + helps prevent dehydration; Helps boost enzymatic antioxidants in skin’s surface layers Key benefits: Hydration, Soothing.
Glyceryl Glucoside
Updated
alpha-D-Glucopyranoside, 2-Hydroxy-1-(Hydroxymethyl)ethyl
Purpose
Glyceryl glucoside is a humectant that helps support skin’s water balance for proper moisturization. It also has antioxidant properties.
Rating
BEST
Category
Antioxidant, Humectant
INCI Purpose
HUMECTANT, SKIN CONDITIONING
Benefits
Alternative Names
Hair Profile
Functions
At a Glance
Composed of skin-loving glycerin and glucose
A humectant that draws moisture to skin
Ensures balanced hydration + helps prevent dehydration
Helps boost enzymatic antioxidants in skin’s surface layers
Article
Glyceryl glucoside is a humectant that may be plant-derived or synthetic (Paula’s Choice Skincare uses the former). Its made by cross-reacting glycerin with glucose. It not only draws and hold water within skin’s surface layers, it interacts with water-transport channels (known as aquaporins) in skin’s surface to ensure balanced hydration.
The glucose portion of this ingredient plays a role in boosting skin’s enzymatic antioxidants, which improves skin’s environmental defenses. This includes reducing skin’s tendency to become dehydrated.
Recommended usage levels of glyceryl glucoside in skin care range from 0.5–2%. Since it’s composed of ingredients that occur naturally in skin, it is considered safe and non-irritating as used in cosmetics.
See: Glycerin, Glucose
References