In the moisturizing system of skin care products, dimethicone and glycerin are both common ingredients, but their moisturizing effects are very different.
From the perspective of moisturizing principle, dimethicone mainly works by forming a thin, breathable protective film on the surface of the skin. This film is like an invisible "moisturizing shield" covering the skin, effectively blocking the evaporation of moisture in the skin, thereby maintaining the skin's hydration. Glycerin belongs to the polyol moisturizer class. It has strong hygroscopicity and can absorb moisture from the air and retain it in the stratum corneum of the skin. At the same time, glycerin can also combine with keratin in the skin to increase the hydration of the skin, thereby increasing the water content of the skin.
In terms of moisturizing duration, the protective film formed by dimethicone is relatively long-lasting, which can reduce water loss for a long time and provide a relatively long-lasting moisturizing effect. Even in a dry environment, it can keep the skin moist for a certain period of time. The moisturizing effect of glycerin is closely related to the humidity of the environment. In a high humidity environment, glycerin can absorb a large amount of moisture from the air and has a significant moisturizing effect; but in a low humidity environment, it is not only difficult to obtain moisture from the air, but it may also cause the skin to become drier due to the evaporation of its own moisture, and the moisturizing effect is not good.
In terms of applicable skin types, polydimethylsiloxane alcohol is friendly to all skin types due to its good breathability, especially suitable for oily and mixed skin. While moisturizing, it will not add too much burden to the skin and is not easy to clog pores. Glycerin is more suitable for dry and neutral skin. Dry skin itself lacks moisture, and glycerin's strong water absorption ability can replenish it with moisture; while neutral skin is relatively stable, glycerin can maintain its good hydration state. However, for oily skin, glycerin may make the skin feel too greasy, and even increase the burden on the skin, causing acne and other problems.