Humectants are ingredients commonly used in skin care products – mainly moisturizers – for their hydrating properties. At the most basic level, a humectant is used to bind water to the skin in order to keep it moist and resilient, therefore encouraging a smoother, plumper, more lifted complexion.
Popular humectants include:
- Aloe Vera Gel
- Ceramides
- Collagen
- Glycerin
- Honey
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Lactic Acid
- Propylene Glycol
- Shea Butter
Most moisturizers are a combination of humectants and emollients. (You can learn more about emollients here). You can think of this way: emollients=oil or lipids whereas humectants=water. Hence, humectants make excellent moisturizers for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone.
