What Is Glycolysine™?

Glycolysine™ is a skincare ingredient that gently cleanses, controls excess oil, and preserves the skin barrier. It’s a patented bio-based surfactant that's a groundbreaking innovation in the cleanser category. Glycolysine™  helps eliminate dirt, makeup, sunscreen, and pollution—while delivering 24-hour hydration and eight hours of oil control.  

The ingredient stars in CeraVe’s Balancing Air Foam Cleanser, which was developed with dermatologists and represents the biggest skincare breakthrough for normal to combination skin in the last 10 years.

Key Benefits of Glycolysine™ in Skincare

From deep cleansing and long-lasting hydration to oil control and barrier support, here’s why Glycolysine™ may deserve a spot in your routine.

1. Gentle yet effective cleansing

Glycolysine™ provides the skin with a gentle cleanse while respecting the skin barrier. Formulated with this cleansing technology, the Balancing Air Form Cleanser helps effectively remove impurities, sunscreen, makeup, and pollution particles without the need for harsh scrubbing. The gentle, air foam consistency makes for frictionless cleansing.

2. Hydration and oil control

Choosing a facial cleanser that effectively cleanses and hydrates without disrupting the skin barrier is key to any good skincare routine. This can sometimes be a challenge for combination skin since you need to simultaneously balance oily areas and nourish dry ones.1 That’s where Glycolysine™ comes in. This cleansing technology is the first of its kind for hydration and oil control. With our Air Foam Cleanser, you can enjoy both lasting hydration and a reduction in oiliness. Beyond Glycolysine™, the combination skin cleanser also features ceramides, which help keep moisture in.

3. Skin barrier protection

Your skin barrier acts as a protective shield against environmental aggressors like UV rays and pollution. When it’s strong and healthy, it locks in moisture while keeping harmful elements out. If your skin barrier is damaged, you may experience issues like dryness and irritation.

The ingredients in your face cleanser and other skincare products are one thing that can impact your barrier. Using gentle formulas can be beneficial, especially for sensitive skin types. CeraVe’s cleanser with Glycolysine™ is a great option, as the ingredient is designed to help balance the skin for a healthy-feeling skin barrier. It also contains allantoin, which is known for its skin soothing and calming benefits.

Who Should Use Glycolysine™?

Did you know that combination skin is the most common skin type worldwide? In fact, it affects approximately 50% of the population. Because combo skin needs a balance of hydration and oil control, Glycolysine™ can be a great addition to combination skincare routines. You can try it via the Balancing Air Foam Cleanser, which is a good option for both normal and combination skin types. The allergy-tested combination skin cleanser is also suitable for sensitive skin and all skin tones.

How To Add Glycolysine™ to Your Skincare Routine

No matter your skin type, washing your face is a non-negotiable step in your skincare routine. Throughout the day, your skin collects layers of makeup, dirt, sweat, SPF, and even pollen, which can contribute to clogged pores. Start your regimen with the Balancing Air Foam Cleanser. The lightweight formula with Glycolysine™ hydrates and balances combination skin while respecting the skin's delicate barrier. It should be used both morning and night as the first step in a skincare routine, after removing any makeup. Simply massage the cleanser onto wet skin, then rinse. After rinsing and patting the skin dry, follow up with face moisturizer, making sure to choose one that suits your skin type.

For help choosing the right products for your specific skin type and skin concerns, use our Find My Skincare Solution tool.