Types of Moisturizers
Types of Moisturizers
Did you know? ... Moisturizers can be divided into 3 main types!
“Dry skin” is a condition where the skin lacks moisture. Maintaining proper hydration is essential for keeping the skin soft, smooth, and elastic. Applying creams or lotions that create a protective layer on the skin, known as “moisturizers,” is a common solution. Many people may think that all moisturizers only provide hydration, but in reality, the function of moisturizers varies depending on their types. White will explain the different types of moisturizers as follows.
Humectant The principle of this ingredient is to attract and absorb moisture into the skin. It draws moisture from the air and surrounding environment to help increase skin hydration. However, there is an important consideration: In addition to attracting moisture from the environment, if RD formulates this ingredient at an excessive dosage, Humectant may instead draw moisture away from the skin rather than helping retain hydration.
Emollient This group of ingredients is usually composed of oils, particularly polar oils, which work by coating the skin and penetrating into the skin grooves within the Epidermis layer. They help improve skin moisture levels and provide a certain degree of moisture retention. However, their moisture-locking ability is lower compared to Humectants and Occlusives.
Emollient This group of ingredients is usually composed of oils, particularly polar oils, which work by coating the skin and penetrating into the skin grooves within the Epidermis layer. They help improve skin moisture levels and provide a certain degree of moisture retention. However, their moisture-locking ability is lower compared to Humectants and Occlusives.
Occlusive refers to ingredients that prevent water from evaporating from the skin. Their mechanism works by forming a protective layer on the outer surface of the skin. Ingredients in this group typically have a heavier and richer texture, making them suitable for people with extremely dry skin as they effectively lock in moisture. However, for those who experience dehydrated skin but naturally have oily or combination skin, Occlusive ingredients may not be suitable as they may create a heavy feeling on the skin.
Examples of Occlusive ingredients include Silicones, Lanolin, Mineral Oil, and Petrolatum.
In general, most moisturizers already contain a combination of all three ingredient groups, allowing them to work together effectively. Creating a formulation with all three essential functions (attracting moisture, providing softness, and forming a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss) while maintaining a pleasant product texture requires extensive testing, analysis, and formulation expertise to develop products that deliver both excellent performance and a good user experience.
Nong White believes that understanding the differences between each type of moisturizing ingredient will help everyone make better choices when selecting products to replenish skin moisture. For those interested in producing or developing new skincare products, Nong White’s RD team is ready to provide full support and professional recommendations.