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.
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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Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answeredEmollients 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
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
If you have used a body cleanser with glycerin, urea or sodium lactate, you have used a humectant.
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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), 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
Oil-in-water moisturizers are those in which water is the dominant carrier. Since these formulations tend to be a lighter consistency, they are generally used for daytime facial moisturizers. They usually have a nonglossy look, and incorporate mineral oils, propylene glycol, and water in varying proportions to make their base.
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered
Water-in-oil moisturizers are those in which oil is the dominant carrier. Since these formulations tend to be a heavier consistency, they are generally used for nighttime or replenishing creams. These creams usually have a glossy look, and incorporate mineral oils, lanolin alcohol, petrolatum, and water in varying proportions to make their base.
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answeredSee All 2 Answers
While water loss can be completely halted by an occlusive, once it is removed, water loss resumes at the same rate as before.
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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.