Glycerin vs Cold Cream: Which One Actually Saves Dry Skin in Winter?

As the temperature dips, humidity disappears, and winter sets in, dryness becomes a yearly battle for Indian women. Skin starts to feel tight, dry, and flaky, and we need to apply moisturisers often.

However, the search for the right moisturiser never ends. Two classic contenders, present in top suggestions, especially age-old solutions, are glycerin and cold cream. These are recommended every season.

Glycerin Vs Cold Cream for Winter 2025

But which one actually hydrates better? And should you choose one over the other? We explain in this article.

Read: 5 Nourishing Cold Creams to Keep Your Skin Glowing This Winter

What Glycerin Really Does for Your Skin

Glycerin, or glycerol, is known to be a ‘humectant’ in technical terms. This means that its superpower, or main feature, is attracting water. It does so from the air and deeper skin layers, and holds it in the upper layers of skin, thus keeping skin hydrated.

Why Indian skin loves glycerin in winter

• Deep hydration: Glycerin pulls moisture into your skin. It’s thus perfect for those who experience skin feeling tight, flaky, or dehydrated.
• Non-greasy: It sinks into the skin quickly, unlike many thick creams, thus avoiding any greasiness or residual oiliness. This makes it better for people with oily skin, too, who often struggle with finding the right moisturiser for their skin.
• Budget-friendly: From pharmacy bottles to hydrating serums, glycerin is one of the most affordable skincare ingredients. It may also be present in your everyday skincare products, but you may not have noticed.
• Works well with other ingredients: It layers well under sunscreen, serums, makeup, and even cold creams – as it’s lightweight and non-greasy.

What Cold Cream Does for Your Skin

Cold cream has been a winter staple in Indian households for decades. One can remember big dabbas or containers of cold creams being opened in winters, especially by mothers and grandmothers. It typically is a mix of water, oils, waxes, and emulsifiers.

Why Cold Cream Works

• Rich protective layer: It creates a barrier that prevents moisture loss.
• Instant softness: Cold creams are thick and instantly smooth dry patches, rough elbows, cracked heels, and winter-flaky cheeks. They add dollops of moisture and oil in an instant, and can feel comforting to flaky, dry winter skin.
• Great for ageing skin: Skin, as it matures, tends to lose oils faster. Cold creams help in replenishing the lost lipid layer.

Glycerin vs Cold Cream: Which do you need?

What you need between glycerin vs cold creams depends on your skin type. If you have oily and acne-prone skin, glycerin is the better choice, as it wont feel heavy or clog your pores. If you have dry, flaky skin, cold cream is a nourishing, good option.