Hyaluronic Acid vs Glycerin – Which Is Better?

Both hyaluronic acid (HA) and glycerin are humectants – ingredients that attract and hold water. They are not enemies, and you don’t have to pick sides, but there are differences that matter if you want to understand your routine.

1. Chemistry and behaviour

• Glycerin: small, simple molecule that is extremely good at binding water. Very stable and widely used.
• Hyaluronic acid: large polymer that exists in different molecular weights. Also binds water, but behaves more like a gel.

2. How they feel on the skin

Glycerin-heavy formulas can sometimes feel slightly tacky, especially in humid environments, but they are extremely reliable. HA serums can feel bouncy and cushiony, but can also become sticky or filmy if overused or poorly formulated.

3. Safety and sensitivity

• Both ingredients are generally well tolerated.
• Glycerin is one of the most time-tested humectants in skincare.
• Low molecular weight HA can be a bit more stimulating for some very sensitive skins.

4. Do you need both?

Not necessarily. Many excellent moisturisers use glycerin as the primary humectant, with or without HA. If your routine already contains a glycerin-rich moisturiser, an HA serum is a nice addition, not a strict requirement.

If you enjoy the feel of HA serums and they make your skin more comfortable, keep them. If you want to keep things minimal, glycerin-based moisturisers alone can still provide excellent hydration.

5. Practical takeaways

• Choose products based on the entire formula, not just one humectant.
• Don’t chase “maximum hydration” by layering five humectant serums at once.
• Focus on calm, comfortable skin that tolerates your full routine well.

For examples of well-formulated hyaluronic serums, visit Hylaronic.com.