A humectant is a substance that attracts and retains water molecules. Humectants in moisturizers draw water molecules from the air and from underlying layers of skin. Humectants offer other important qualities, such as prolonging a moisturizer's shelf life. Glycerin and glycerol are common humectants found in moisturizers.
Which is the best humectant in skincare?
Types of humectants used in skincare
- Hyaluronic Acid has potent hydrating capabilities. ...
- Glycerin is also referred to as glycerine and glycerol. ...
- Urea is a little known but significant water-loving agent which you can read about here
What are the best moisturizers for skin?
The Best Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin, According to the Pros
- Moisturizing Lotion. ...
- Daily Moisturizing Lotion for Dry Skin. ...
- Facial Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid. ...
- Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer. ...
- Cold Cream Intense Moisturizer. ...
- Hydro Boost Gel-Cream. ...
- Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Face Cream. ...
- Ultra Facial Cream. ...
- Daily Moisture. ...
- Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2. ...
What are examples of humectants?
Humectants can either be man-made or derived from nature. Each works differently and may have properties that make them suitable for certain applications. One such example is a type of humectant called a nanolipid gel, which is used in many foot and heel balms because of its antifungal properties.
Should you be anti anti-humectants?
Anti-humectant products are ideal if you live in a humid climate. Essentially, they are used to block moisture. There are many products that claim to be anti-humectant, but the one you choose should be based on your hair type, style and expectations. For instance, if you're straightening your hair, you would want to use a serum.
What is the best humectant for skin?
Glycerin is one of the best humectant ingredients – it has three OH groups for sticking to water, and only three carbons. Even though it's small, it's not volatile due to the OH groups sticking glycerin molecules together (it has a boiling point of 290 °C).
What is a natural humectant for skin?
Lactic acid is a Natural Humectant This leads to the uncovering of new cells on the surface of your skin. The result is that your skin is smoother and looks younger. Lactic acid does this by breaking down the bonds holding dead skin cells together. But lactic acid is also a humectant and aids in moisturizing your skin.
What is the difference between moisturizer and humectant?
The most straightforward explanation is that hydrators (humectants) bind water to the skin, whereas moisturizers (emollients or occlusives) create a protective barrier that locks in hydration and prevents water loss.
What is a natural humectant?
Humectants are water-loving, or hydrophilic ingredients that attract water. They do this by either drawing moisture from the air to the stratum corneum, if humidity levels are high, or from deeper levels of the dermis if the outside air is dry.
What is the most powerful humectant?
All humectants help with water absorption and retention, but Sodium PCA is particularly powerful and can bind water 1.5 times better than glycerin. Another major benefit of sodium PCA is that its very water soluble and doesn't change the viscosity of the product you're whipping up.
Is aloe vera a humectant or moisturizer?
We all know the amazing advantages of Aloe Vera. Its natural humectant properties (the ability to retain and preserve moisture) is the reason why it is viewed as an essential ingredient in skincare products.
Is shea butter a humectant?
Humectant ingredients attract and retain moisture, occlusive ingredients create a barrier to prevent water loss, and emollients smooth skin by filling in the cracks between cells. Shea Butter is an humectant, an occlusive, and an emollient.
Is hyaluronic acid a humectant?
What is hyaluronic acid? HA is a humectant — a substance that retains moisture — and it is capable of binding over one thousand times its weight in water. This substance is naturally found in many areas of the human body, including the skin, eyes, and synovial fluid of the joints.
Is jojoba oil a humectant?
It's moisturizing Jojoba oil is a humectant ingredient . This means that it works to attract water to the top layer of the skin, helping to keep the skin hydrated.
Is salicylic acid a humectant?
The technical term for HA is humectant, meaning it helps skin attract and retain moisture. Salicylic acid on the other hand does what it says on the tin. Salicylic acid is a Beta Hydroxy Acid which works on deep level, deeper than lactic acid, to fight the appearance of blemishes.
Which oils are humectants?
Look for Almond, Avocado, Sesame, Olive oil and Wheat germ oils that reduce water loss. Examples of humectants are Hyaluronic acid, honey and vegetal glycerine.
Is aloe vera a humectant for skin?
“In addition to being an exceptional skin soother, aloe vera is a humectant with many beneficial properties,” explains dermatologist Howard Sobel, MD. “It's rich in antioxidants, hydrating and conditioning and helps address skin sensitivity and redness. The cooling, gel texture can reduce puffiness,” he tells IPSY.
WHAT IS A HUMECTANT?
A study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) defines humectants as compounds that attract and bind water. They can help hydrate the skin by drawing water from the deeper epidermis and dermis (layers of your skin) or from the air if the humidity is greater than 75%.
HOW DO HUMECTANT BENEFIT THE SKIN?
As you can probably guess, humectants benefit the skin by providing hydration. The NCBI study explains that when a moisturizer contains humectants, the water content of the skin more rapidly increases. Pretty cool, huh?
WHAT IS AN EXAMPLE OF A HUMECTANT?
Curious as to what common humectants may be in some of your favorite skin care products? A study from the Indian Journal of Dermatology lists glycerin, alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, gelatin, and honey as humectants you might already be familiar with.
8 SKIN CARE PRODUCTS CONTAINING HUMECTANTS
We touched on popular humectants you may have seen on the labels of your go-to skin care products, but perhaps you’d like some new recs. Read on for eight products containing humectants that are worth adding to your dry skin routine.
What is humectant in hair?
A humectant is a common moisturizing agent found in lotions, shampoos, and other beauty products used for your hair and skin. They’re known for their ability to retain moisture while also preserving the overall properties of the product at hand. Humectants can be good for your skin and hair, but not all humectants are created equal.
What is the difference between occlusives and humectants?
These are another type of moisturizing agent. While humectants can help your hair pull in water, occlusives act as a barrier to hold that moisture in. Occlusives are primarily oil-based.
What is the best product to use for acne?
The type of humectant ingredient you’ll want depends on your overall skin and hair care needs. If you have acne-prone skin, then a salicylic acid-containing product can help get rid of dead skin cells to clear up acne while ensuring your skin is moisturized. AHAs can also get rid of dead skin cells.
What are the ingredients in moisturizing products?
Many moisturizing products contain additional ingredients, such as fragrances and preservatives. However, these ingredients can worsen certain skin conditions. You’ll definitely want to look for a fragrance- and preservative-free formula if you have: 1 eczema 2 rosacea 3 sensitive skin
What is the best moisturizer for whiteheads?
Salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is technically a beta-hydroxy acid. It’s commonly used for treating blackheads and whiteheads. Salicylic acid dries out excess oil and dead skin cells that can get caught in the hair follicle and cause breakouts. This can also help your moisturizer penetrate your skin more effectively.
How to retain moisture in hair?
You can also retain more moisture in your hair and skin by following these tips: Use lukewarm or warm (not hot) water for bathing and washing your face and hands. Limit your shower times.
Is humectant good for hair?
Humectants can be good for your skin and hair, but not all humectants are created equal. It’s also important to look out for other ingredients that can undo the benefits of the humectant in a particular product formula. Read on to learn more about how humectants work and what to keep in mind when choosing a product.
What Is a Humectant?
A humectant is a moisturizing agent that locks moisture into your skin and hair.
Types and How They Work
Humectants work by attracting water and drawing it into the skin or hair in order to maintain healthy hydration. Some humectants for skin work as exfoliators that remove dead skin cells and debris first, leaving you with a smoother complexion and allowing for cell turnover.
Benefits
Humectants attract water and help prevent moisture loss, thereby serving as excellent hydrators. Humectants for hair and skin are best known for their moisturizing effects and ability to leave skin softer and smoother.
Risks and Side Effects
It’s not uncommon for synthetic humectants to be used in skin and hair products because they are cheaper to produce and can prolong the formulas’ shelf lives. Synthetic humectants help hydrate the skin, but they don’t provide the skin with nutrients and may draw so much water from the second layer of skin that it causes dryness.
Dosage and How to Use
Many times, humectants are not the active ingredient in a product. A humectant is used to provide better consistency and help hydrate the skin and hair, but it probably won’t be at the very top of the ingredient list.
What to Look for in a Product
When you’re looking for a humectant product, the first thing to consider is your specific skin or hair goals. Do you want to promote hydration, rid the skin of dead skin cells, fight fine lines or get rid of dandruff?
What is humectant in skincare?
Humectants, a category of moisturizing ingredients that can be key for making formulations that effectively hydrate skin. Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab scientists explain what humectants are, how they work, and their benefits (and drawbacks).
What are humectants? What are their uses?
What are the benefits of humectants? 1 Humectants are a type of moisturizer, Wnek says, "but they're best used in a preformulated product rather than alone," as they can cause adverse effects or be less cosmetically elegant on skin. 2 Emollients are another category of moisturizer, providing hydration and softening benefits, says GH Beauty Lab Director Birnur Aral, Ph.D. These include squalene and trigcylerides, which are lipids (fats). 3 Occlusives are ingredients that lock moisture into skin, including plant butters and waxes (like shea and cocoa butter, beeswax) and petrolatum, Aral explains.
What are occlusives in skin care?
Occlusives are ingredients that lock moisture into skin, including plant butters and waxes (like shea and cocoa butter, beeswax) and petrolatum, Aral explains.
What is the chemical that is found in plants and fruits?
It is produced synthetically for use in skincare products. Sorbitol: A sugar that's naturally-occurring in plants and fruits.
What is the chemical that makes a liquid humectant?
Propylene glycol: A colorless synthetic liquid also used in some foods and drinks. Natural ingredients with humectant properties include aloe vera and honey (other common naturally-derived moisturizing ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil are actually occlusives).
Is humectant a moisturizer?
Humectants are a type of moisturizer, Wnek says, "but they're best used in a preformulated product rather than alone," as they can cause adverse effects or be less cosmetically elegant on skin. Emollients are another category of moisturizer, providing hydration and softening benefits, says GH Beauty Lab Director Birnur Aral, Ph.D.
Do you need humectants for hydration?
But you need more than just humectants for optimal hydration: "Any product with humectant ingredients needs to be formulated with other moisturizing ingredients," she explains. "The most effective skincare products for hydration are those that are formulated with all three types of moisturizers: humectants, occlusives, and emollients .".
What Is a Humectant and How Does It Hydrate Skin?
Glycerin. Hyaluronic acid. Snow mushroom. Bamboo extract. Aloe vera. Besides the fact that these are all ingredients found in skincare, they have something a bit more niche in common. They’re humectants known best for their ability to hydrate and soften skin. If it was just that simple, however, this article would end here.
WHAT IS A HUMECTANT?
By definition, a humectant is “a substance used to reduce the loss of moisture.” They are part of the skin’s barrier, maintaining its Natural Moisturizing Factor. But they aren’t just important in skincare. There are humectants in our shampoos, body washes, lip balm, even our food. (The honey we add to our tea? That’s a humectant).
THE BENEFITS OF HUMECTANTS IN SKINCARE
Humectants are best known for their moisturizing capabilities but their benefits don’t end there. For example, the AHA lactic acid (found in our Instant Resurfacing Mask) brightens tone, while the aloe vera in our Moisturizing Gel-Cream can soothe inflammation and redness.
HOW TO APPLY HUMECTANTS
Humectants can be applied morning or night, once a day or twice. Depending on which ones you use, they generally can be mixed and matched within a single routine without any irritation.
THE BEST HUMECTANTS TO ADD TO YOUR ROUTINE
Humectants are clearly a fan favorite; nearly every product within our skincare lineup contains one. Here are some of our favorites to look for:
What is humectant in hair care?
A humectant is a hydrating agent found in creams, lotions, serums, conditioners, and several other skin care and hair care products. Humectants can attract and bind with the water molecules, helping your skin and hair preserve moisture and stay hydrated.
How to choose a humectant?
When choosing a product with a humectant, try out different products until you find the one that makes your skin feel comfortable. Many prefer to mix and match products, while some like it the way they are. Before choosing any product, read the ingredients list carefully. Do let us know which product you have picked!
How to apply moisturizer to face?
If you are using any skin medication, apply it first, followed by the moisturizer. Before applying, take some moisturizer in your palm and rub it. Apply it in a downward direction. Avoid rubbing it in an up-and-down motion or in circles. Always leave a film of moisturizer on the skin and let your skin absorb it.
What is the best hydrating ingredient?
Studies have found it to be effective in skin hydration, possibly due to its humectant-like mechanism ( 2 ). 2. Honey . Honey is a natural ingredient that has multiple benefits. It is an excellent humectant, emollient, and hair conditioner.
How to make your skin smooth?
Draw water either from the dermis (to a certain extent) or from the humid air. Fill the rough area on the skin to make it smooth. Don’t affect the water content of the skin. They create a barrier to trap water on the skin (either supplied to the skin by a moisturizer or when soaked in water).
Do humectants work for hair?
Humectants also help your hair draw moisture and retain it. However, not all humectants work for both skin and hair. That’s the reason you will not see the same humectants used in hair care and skin care products. Humectants are great for keeping your skin soft, supple, and hydrated.
Is hyaluronic acid a humectant?
Though hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in your skin cells, the HA in skin care products is developed chemically. It is an excellent humectant that keeps the skin hydrated by retaining the moisture levels ( 5 ).