What Is A Humectant?
A humectant is a common hydrating ingredient found in skincare products such as lotion, hair care products, facial products, and some makeup products.
These humectant ingredients are rich in water, and they mimic the skin’s sweat, and they work by hydrating the skin. They are well known for their ability to retain moisture.
How Do Humectants Work
Humectants work by drawing water from the second layer of the skin, the dermis, and transports the water to the first layer of the skin, the epidermis. Also, If the humidity in your environment is over 70%, humectants can draw water vapor from the air to help hydrate the skin.
Humectants are best used in leave-on products.
According to research, it is best to use products that are formulated with all three types of moisturizers; these are Humectants, Emollients, and Occlusives.
The Three Types Of Moisturizers
Humectants are best used in preformulated products rather than to be used alone.
Emollients provide hydration and help to soften the skin. These include triglycerides (lipids) and squalene.
Occlusives are ingredients that help to lock moisture into the skin. These include plant butter and waxes such as shea butter and cocoa butter.
The Types Of Humectants To Look For
Hyaluronic Acid – Hyaluronic acid is a clear gooey substance that is naturally produced by our body, but as we age, our bodies make less of this compound. The primary function of hyaluronic acid is to retain water to help keep our body and skin hydrated. Hyaluronic acid can draw and hold onto 1000x its weight in moisture. It works up to 72 hours after application to help replenish the skin of hydration and to enhance the skin and give it a supple look.
Aloe Vera – Aloe vera is mostly water, and because of that, it helps to hydrate the skin without making the skin feel greasy. It also helps to lock in moisture. It has anti-inflammatory benefits, and it also contains antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins a, and c.
Glycerine – Glycerine is one of my favorite humectants to use, especially in hair products. This type of humectant helps to pull water from the deeper layer of the skin (dermis) into the outer layer of the skin (epidermis); it also draws water from the air.
Glycerine helps to improve the skin barrier function and provides protection against skin irritants, and it has anti-inflammatory properties. Glycerine is commonly used with Occlusives to help trap in the moisture that it pulls in the skin. In a 2016 study, research shows that glycerine ”is the most effective humectant.”
Honey – Honey is called a natural humectant that draws moisture into the skin. Not only is it a humectant, but it also has excellent healing properties and may heal eczema or psoriasis.
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