Emollient vs humectant

If you have been using a moisturizer on your skin chances are that you must have heard of the terms emollient and humectant. They are two types of skin care products that are used to hydrate and care for the skin. They have some similarities, but they work in different ways and have distinct benefits.

As far as emollients are concerned they are substances that are used to moisturize and soften dry skin.  They work by forming a protective layer on the skin’s surface. This helps to trap moisture and prevent water loss. The protective layer that is formed will make the skin feel smoother and suppler.

Emollients can come in many forms. Creams, lotions, ointments and sprays. They can be made from a variety of ingredients like petroleum jelly, mineral oil and shea butter. Emollients are used to treat skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. They can also soothe and hydrate dry, irritated skin.

Humectants on the other hand moisturize the skin by attracting and retaining moisture from the air. They will hydrate the skin from within, rather than simply forming a protective layer on the surface.

Humectants can be found in different skin care products. These include serums, masks and toners. They are often used in combination with emollients for optimal skin hydration. Some common humectants include glycerine, hyaluronic acid and aloe vera.

So one of the key difference between emollients and humectants is the way they hydrate the skin. Emollients work by forming a barrier on the skin’s surface that helps to trap moisture, while humectants draw moisture form the air into the skin. This means emollients are best for treating dry rough and flaky skin. Humectants on the other hand are best for addressing dehydrated skin that lacks moisture.

There is another difference between the two of them. This is the way they provide hydration. Emollients provide a more occlusive or waterproof type of hydration. Humectants provide a more penetrating and deep type of hydration.

As a result emollients are better for creating a barrier against environmental aggressors like wind and cold. So they will work great in such dry conditions. Humectants will work by increasing moisture from within.

There are some ingredients that can work as both. The best example is glycerine. It is often used as an emollient as well as a humectant. This is due to its ability to attract and retain moisture, as well as its ability to form a protective layer on the skin’s surface.

So in brief if you have dry, rough and flaky skin and you live in cold and windy conditions then emollients are the best for you. But if have dehydrated skin that lacks moisture then humectants are the best for you.

In conclusion

Both emollients and humectants are important part of a moisturizer. They play important roles in skin care and hydration. By using both types of products in combination, you can provide your skin with the ultimate in hydration and protection.

Glycerine has both the protective properties of an emollient and the moisturizing properties of humectants.