Aquaglyceroporin3 (AQP3),a dual function water channel,can transport both water molecule and other small molecular substances such as glycerol.AQP3-mediated glycerol transport in skin is very important for skin function,whose absence can lead to dry skin,decreased elasticity,and impaired barrier function,and whose overexpression is related to higher risk of skin tumorigenesis.The multiple roles of AQP3 in skin function make it a potential target in treatment of skin disease and development of cosmetics.This paper reviews the characteristics,function,application,and research perspective of AQP3.