They attract water to the skin from the external environment – that is, the air. Examples are propylene glycol and Hyaluronic acid. The acid does not penetrate or directly add hyaluronic acid to the deeper layers of the skin. It works to pull extra moisture from the environment to help keep your skin moist and resilient.
Moisturizer Ingredients
With so many moisturizers on the market promising different results, it's important to consider the ingredients. Humectants like glycerin and urea help by absorbing water from the air and holding moisture in the skin. Emollients like mineral oil, lanolin and petrolatum fill spaces between skin cells, replacing lipids and smoothing and lubricating rough skin. Occlusives -- like petroleum jelly and cocoa butter -- are oily substances that form a film on the top of skin, sealing in cracks and preventing moisture from escaping. Some additives like fragrances could cause your skin irritation, so check any lotion's ingredient label before using. Know which moisturizer ingredients to look for with expert advice from Sharecare.
Recently Answered
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1 AnswerA
Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answeredLanolin is a natural oil. It is a common component of moisturizers and lotions for preventing or treating dry skin. Watch the animation to learn more about dry skin.
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1 AnswerA
Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered
Emollients are oily balms that restore epidermal lipids that have been damaged between skin cells.
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered
If you have a known allergy to oats, you'll want to play it safe and steer clear of skin moisturizing products that contain them. There's no guarantee that the oats in a moisturizer will trigger a reaction, but the product could cause irritation around your mouth and other sensitive areas.
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered
Even people who have never had allergies can develop them later in life. You should discontinue using that moisturizer immediately and see your dermatologist.
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered
Humectants are ingredients that retain moisture. In a body cleanser, a humectant can help draw water up from your dermis to your epidermis. It can also bring moisture from the air to your skin.
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered
If you have used a body cleanser with glycerin, urea or sodium lactate, you have used a humectant.
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1 AnswerA
Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered
Emollients moisturize your skin directly, instead of just attracting moisture to your skin like humectants do. They also coat your skin so it can retain its moisture. If you've used a product containing mineral oil, silicone oil or isopropyl isostearate, you've used an emollient.
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answeredSee All 2 Answers
Moisturizing ingredients won't necessarily irritate skin; however, other additives (such as certain fragrances and preservatives) could cause redness or other issues. If you have sensitive skin, look for products specially labeled as such.
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answeredSee All 2 Answers
Occlusives are oily substances that form a film on the top of skin, which seal in cracks and prevent moisture from escaping. An example of an occlusive is petroleum jelly.