Humectants are substances that help to retain moisture in the skin. People often use it in cosmetic products such as moisturizers, toners, and serums. The benefits of using humectants include increased hydration, improved skin elasticity, and a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Some common humectants include glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and urea. Incorporating products that contain humectants into your skincare routine can help keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
What are humectants?
Humectants are used in skin care products to help keep the skin hydrated and moisturized. They work by attracting water from the air or deeper in the skin and retaining it, which helps to keep the skin soft and supple.
Some common humectants used in skin care products include glycerin, hyaluronic acid, urea, and propylene glycol. You can use humectants in various skincare products, including moisturizers, serums, toners, and masks. They benefit people with dry (less oils) or dehydrated (low water) skin, as they can help restore moisture and prevent dryness and flakiness.
However, it’s important to note that not all humectants are created equal, and some may be more effective than others depending on your skin type and needs. If you’re looking for a skincare product that contains humectants, it’s a good idea to do some research and read reviews to find one that works well for you.
What do humectants do for the skin?
Humectants are used in skin care products to help keep the skin hydrated and moisturized. They work by attracting water from the air or deeper in the skin and retaining it, which helps to keep the skin soft and supple.
Some common humectants used in skin care products include glycerin, hyaluronic acid, urea, and propylene glycol. People use humectants in various skincare products, including moisturizers, serums, toners, and masks. However, it’s important to note that not all humectants are created equal, and some may be more effective than others depending on your skin type and needs.
What are the benefits of applying humectants daily?
The benefits of applying humectants are:
- Hydration: The main benefit of a humectant is hydration. Humectants keep your skin moisturized, soft, and hydrated throughout the day.
- Relief of dry skin: Humectants can help relieve dry skin by drawing water from the air or deeper in the skin and retaining it, which helps to keep the skin soft and supple.
- Reduction of thickened skin: A 2013 study evaluated the effects of once and twice-daily applications of a humectant-rich moisturizer containing 15% AHAs and 15% urea. The study involved 62 participants. Of them, 12 had no skin conditions, and 50 had hyperkeratosis, or thickened skin, on the feet. Among the participants with hyperkeratosis, the results indicated that the moisturizer removed scales, increased skin hydration, and reduced the thickness of hyperkeratosis.
- Strengthening of the skin barrier: The outermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, serves as a barrier. It slows the evaporation of water from the skin and helps protect against microbes. A 2021 review notes that urea helps enhance the stratum corneum by increasing hydration and improving the skin barrier’s integrity. Because of this, it has a long history as a skincare ingredient. Urea can help with many skin conditions, such as dry skin, ichthyosis, atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis.
- Reduction in fine lines and wrinkles: Humectants can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles by plumping the skin with moisture.
- Improve overall appearance: By keeping your skin hydrated and moisturized throughout the day, humectants can help improve your overall appearance by making your skin look smoother and more radiant.
What skin issues do humectants solve?
Humectants can help with many skin conditions, such as dry skin, ichthyosis, atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. They are especially useful for people with dry or dehydrated skin, as they can help to restore moisture to the skin and prevent dryness and flakiness. Humectants can also help reduce fine lines and wrinkles by plumping up the skin with moisture. They can improve your overall appearance by making your skin look smoother and more radiant.
What are the best humectant products to use
There are many humectant products available in the market. Some of the best humectant products for skin care are:
- Vichy Aqualia Thermal Hydrating Face Serum: This face serum recharges dry, dehydrated skin with 48 hours of moisture. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid and Vichy’s mineral-rich thermal water to leave all skin types feeling soft and supple, including sensitive skin types.
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel: This gel-cream moisturizer is formulated with hyaluronic acid, which helps to hydrate and plump the skin. It’s oil-free, dye-free, and fragrance-free, making it a great option for people with sensitive skin.
- CeraVe Moisturizing Cream: This cream contains three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help restore the skin’s natural barrier and retain moisture. It’s fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and gentle enough for sensitive skin.
- La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer: This moisturizer is formulated with glycerin and ceramides to help hydrate and repair the skin’s barrier. It’s oil-free, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic, making it a great option for people with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
- The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5: This serum contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 to help hydrate and plump the skin. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and free of alcohol, oil, silicone, nuts, gluten, and fragrance.
