Common skin care ingredients -- G

Glycerin: hydrates and provides a skin barrier against loss of moisure; allows topical agents to go on very smoothly; may clog pores when present in high concentrations.

Glycine: amino acid vital to collagen synthesis; it is unclear if applying glycine topically affects collagen synthesis.

Glycogen: natural sugar (glucose) based polymer somewhat similar to starch; acts as a conditioner.

Glycolic Acid: exfoliant, used in a wide range of exfoliating products, from exfoliating lotions to chemical peels. May improve fine lines. Overuse can cause skin irritation and other skin damage.

Glycol Stearate: thickening agent that helps give products a luminescent or opalescent appearance.

Grape Seed Extract: a botanical extract shown to be an effective antioxidant

Green Tea Extract: a botanical extract shown to be an effective antioxidant

Guar gum: Plant derived polysaccharide used as a thickening agent in skin care formulations. May also increase moisture retention due to coating action.