A dewy hold without the sticky drama
We know how much people love their chalk on their hands but when it comes to the body, finding the balance between slippy and stuck is a constant pole challenge. While traditional grip aids absolutely have their place, many dancers are turning to glycerin-based body grips for a more natural, dewy hold that supports both grip and skin health.
These products don’t glue you to the pole — instead, they create controlled friction that feels flexible, comfortable, and confidence-boosting.
Why glycerin works for pole grip
Glycerin is a humectant, meaning it attracts and holds moisture at the skin’s surface. For pole dancers, this can mean:
- A soft, tacky-but-not-sticky feel
- Better skin-to-pole contact
- Grip that adapts as you move rather than locking you in
Unlike drying grip aids, glycerin works with your skin — especially helpful for dancers training multiple times a week.
These are body grips, not hand grips.
Grip n Glow Peppermint Rhino – Tacky/Dewy Body Grip
Pole-specific glycerin-based body grip options
The Grip n Glow Peppermint Rhino is designed specifically for pole and aerial use, offering a tacky–dewy style of grip that supports skin contact without heavy stickiness. They’re ideal for dancers who want grip that feels natural, flexible, and skin-friendly.
There are other options out there such as Dew-Point, but this one is tried and tested by Danni & Lisa and they love it!
Pros
- Balanced, consistent tack without feeling gluey
- Designed for body contact points (not hands)
- Creates a dewy hold that improves skin-to-pole contact
- Works well on thighs, knees, and side body
- Popular with dancers who dislike chalky or overly drying grips
- Long-lasting when applied correctly
- Reliable across most studio conditions
Cons
- Needs time to settle into the skin before use
- Can feel too dewy in very humid conditions
- Grip level may vary with individual sweat levels
- Over-application can reduce effectiveness
- Some experimentation needed to find your personal “just right” amount
You can also get the regular Grip N Glow Dewy Spray in lots of lovely flavours but has a little less tack to it, there is only a very slight difference, but the fresh smell of mint is refreshing and cooling and definitely a favourite at High Aerial Studio.
The Body Shop – Body Yogurt
A modern replacement for the much-loved Body Sorbet
Many dancers previously relied on The Body Shop Body Sorbet for its light glycerin-based grip. While it’s been discontinued, Body Yogurt is the closest current alternative and currently being tested by Danni at High Aerial Studio
Pros
- High glycerin content
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing texture
- Skin-friendly and affordable
- Leaves a subtle tack once absorbed
Cons
- Not designed as a grip product
- Grip varies with humidity and sweat
- Too much product can become slippery
Best for:
Low-to-medium sweat days, conditioning sessions, choreography, or dancers who want grip without feeling heavily “gripped.”
We’ll update you when we know if Danni slips or sticks!
How this compares to Red Monkey Hands
Monkey Hands (Red) is a HAND grip, not a body grip, and it behaves very differently from glycerin-based products. It’s included here for comparison because, in practice, many dancers apply it directly to the pole for hand grip — which means the body inevitably comes into contact with it during climbs, sits, transitions, and spins.
This is where the difference really matters.
Pros
- Excellent for sweaty hands
- Strong, reliable dry friction
- Easy to wash off hands and pole
- Very effective when grip loss is coming from the hands only
Cons
- Drying with frequent use, especially on skin
- Not suitable for body grip
- Can feel harsh or uncomfortable on thighs, knees, and torso
- When applied to the pole, it can create uneven grip zones — hands stick, body slips or drags
- Increases the risk of skin discomfort when a move involves more than just a hand hold
Why this matters in real pole work
Many pole tricks don’t isolate the hands. When a product designed to dry the skin is transferred from the pole to the body, it can:
- Reduce body grip mid-move
- Make skin feel “grabby” in the wrong way
- Increase friction without flexibility, leading to irritation
- Create inconsistency between hand grip and body grip
This is especially noticeable in sits, climbs, transitions, and re-grips, where the body needs controlled contact, not aggressive dryness.
In comparison
- Monkey Hands (Red) = dry friction for hands
- Glycerin-based body grips = controlled, dewy friction for skin contact points
They’re designed for different jobs — and work best when used that way. Using the right grip in the right place leads to safer movement, better control, and happier skin.
Mini guide: how to apply glycerin-based body grips
This is where these products break the usual “no moisturiser on pole day” rule.
✅ When to apply
- In the morning on pole days
- Or at least 30–60 minutes before class
Because these products are water-based and oil-free, they absorb fully and leave behind grip — not slip.
✅ How to apply
- Use a very small amount (less than you think)
- Apply to:
- Inner thighs
- Backs of knees
- Side body / torso
- Rub in thoroughly
- Allow skin to fully absorb and settle
Skin should feel slightly tacky or dewy, never wet.
🚫 Avoid
- Hands
- Oil-based moisturisers on pole days
- Reapplying mid-class without wiping skin first
Skin benefits of glycerin-based grips
One of the biggest advantages? Happy skin.
- Supports the skin barrier
- Reduces dryness and irritation
- More comfortable repeated skin contact
- Helps maintain consistent grip over time
This makes glycerin-based grips ideal for regular training, not just performances.
Final thoughts
If you’re looking for grip that feels natural, flexible, and skin-friendly, glycerin-based body grips are a brilliant option. Whether you choose a pole-specific product like Grip n Glow or Peppermint Rhino, or experiment with Body Yogurt as a nod to the old Body Sorbet days, these grips offer a softer approach to holding the pole.
✨ Grip that supports your training — not fights your body.