3 Main Hydrating Ingredients in Moisturizers
Here is everything you should know about humectants, emollients, and occlusives. (1) Humectants are ingredients that work by attracting water to the skin's surface. For example, glycerin and hyaluronic acid fall into this category. These tend to appear in more lightweight lotions as they don't feel heavy or greasy on the skin. (2) Emollients. If you want something that softens and smooths the skin's appearance, look no further than emollients. Examples of emollients are jojoba oil and squalene, which give you that instant moisturizing feel when you apply them to your skin. (3) Occlusives. Ingredients that work as occlusives include waxes, body butter, and silicones. They work by forming a layer on top of the skin, sealing in moisture and minimizing transepidermal water loss.
