Ingredient glossary

Glycereth-26

What Glycereth-26 does for your skin, who it suits, and what to watch for.

INCI: Glycereth-26

Solid and proven

In short: Glycereth-26 delivers hydration and slip, suits most skin types, and the evidence behind it is moderate.

What it does
Hydration, slip
Best for
Most skin types
Evidence
Moderate
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The Glow take

Genuinely worth a spot in your routine.

When your goal is deep, lasting hydration, Glycereth-26 pulls genuine weight, with a solid amount of evidence behind it. Gentle enough that most skin types can reach for it.

— Maya

What it does

  • hydration
  • slip

moderate evidenceUsed widely in serums and creams for long-lasting moisturization; safety profile similar to glycerin with improved aesthetics.

On a label: usually effective at 1-5%.

Who it's for, and who should skip it

Tends to suit

  • dry
  • dehydrated
  • all

Approach with care

No specific group flagged to avoid it.

  • Clogs poresLow
  • Irritation riskLow

How it fits each skin type

  • DrySuits
  • CombinationSuits
  • OilySuits
  • SensitiveSuits

Where it fits in your routine

WhenMorning and evening
Where in the orderOn damp skin, before your moisturizer

Plays well with

  • humectants
  • emollients

Glycereth-26, answered

Is Glycereth-26 safe during pregnancy?

Yes. Glycereth-26 is considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As with anything, if you are unsure it is worth a quick word with your doctor or midwife.

Who should avoid Glycereth-26?

No specific group is flagged to avoid Glycereth-26. It is well tolerated by most skin. Still, introduce anything new one product at a time.

What concentration of Glycereth-26 actually works?

Glycereth-26 tends to do its job in the 1 to 5% range. Much lower and it is likely underdosed.

This, for every label you own

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Sources & how we reviewed this

Last reviewed July 2026. Educational information about a cosmetic ingredient, not medical advice.