Beginner·Ingredients·6 min read
Moisturiser Ingredients: Humectants, Emollients, Occlusives
The three categories of moisturising ingredients, what each does in the skin, and how to build hydration that actually lasts.
Most moisturisers are blends of three ingredient categories that each do a distinct job. Understanding what they are means you can decode any moisturiser label, fill in gaps in your routine, and stop spending money on marketing-driven products that do not suit your skin.
The three categories
- Humectants draw water into the skin from the environment and deeper skin layers. Examples: glycerin, hyaluronic acid, urea, aloe vera. Apply to damp skin for best results.
- Emollients fill the gaps between skin cells and make skin feel smooth and soft. Examples: fatty acids, squalane, ceramides, plant oils.
- Occlusives form a physical layer on top of skin to slow water loss. Examples: petrolatum (the most effective), shea butter, beeswax, dimethicone.
- Layering order: humectant serum → emollient moisturiser → occlusive (if needed, especially at night for dry skin).
- Most moisturisers combine all three. If your skin is very dry, look for petrolatum or shea high in the ingredients list.
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