11 Beauty Products Your Grandmother Used That Still Work Better

6. Glycerin — The Humectant Grandma Swore By

Glycerin is a simple, humectant ingredient found in many traditional and modern formulas. Grandmothers sometimes mixed a few drops with rose water or a light cream to draw moisture into the skin and keep it soft. It works by attracting water from the environment and deeper skin layers, helping maintain hydration levels. That property makes glycerin useful in dry climates and for hands, feet, or chapped lips. Too much glycerin in a very dry environment can pull moisture out of the skin instead, so dilute it in a water-based tonic or mix with a moisturizer. A common, gentle home mix is a small ratio of glycerin with rose water, applied sparingly at night. As always, start with a patch test if you have reactive skin. Glycerin’s simplicity and effectiveness is why it has remained a staple across generations.