Humectant-Based Moisturizers. We know that feeling thirsty is our body’s way of telling us that we need to drink more water, so we reach for the bottle on instinct. What about your skin, though? It’s crucial to make sure your skin stays hydrated in addition to making sure you drink enough water each day. It turns out that using a moisturizer formulated with humectants—rather than just any moisturizer—is the key to attaining hydrated skin.
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What are humectants?
Active ingredients in skin care products called humectants are essential for moisturizing dry or parched skin. Dr. Joel Schlessinger, CEO of LovelySkin and a board-certified dermatologist, suggests “thinking of humectants as magnets for moisture.” Like a sponge, humectants work by attracting and binding water from the air or the product itself to the top layer of your skin. Popular humectants include hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, glycerin, honey, ceramides, fatty acids, collagen, lecithin, and betaine.
Why is it important to use humectant moisturizers on the skin?
Using a humectant moisturizer to keep skin hydrated is a good idea year-round, but it can be especially important during the winter. Dry air and cold temperatures have a tendency to dehydrate skin, making it feel irritated and scratchy. Dehydration can also make your skin appear lifeless and increase the visibility of fine lines. Humectant moisturizers plump up your skin’s outer layer when they successfully draw in water. The outcome? There will be less noticeable fine lines and a more vibrant, youthful appearance to the skin.
7 of the greatest skin moisturizers with humectants
SkinMedica H5 Rejuvenating Hydrator
One of the most potent humectants available, hyaluronic acid comes in five different forms in this hydrating serum. Both immediate and long-lasting hydration are provided by the blend of various hyaluronic acid types. In addition, a peptide complex and Vitis flower stem cell extract help to firm and rejuvenate skin while providing antioxidant protection.
SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 Anti-Aging Cream
This humectant moisturizer uses fatty acids, glycerin, and ceramides to increase skin hydration levels. In fact, the secret to its effectiveness in repairing your skin’s moisture barrier and correcting signs of aging lies in its patented ratio of 2% ceramides, 4% natural cholesterol, and 2% fatty acids. Additionally, it contains vitamin E, which acts as an occlusive to help seal in all that healthy moisture and support your skin’s natural cell repair process.
PCA Skin Collagen Hydrator
This humectant moisturizer is an excellent option for those with mature skin that feels dry and flaky. Collagen, aloe vera, glycerin, and sodium hyaluronate, or hyaluronic acid in salt form, are just a few of the potent humectant ingredients that help give skin the much-needed hydration boost. Additionally, shea butter serves as an occlusive to prevent the moisture boost from vanishing. Regular use of this leaves skin looking smoother and plumper.
Eminence Linden Calendula Treatment
The best multipurpose humectant moisturizer is this all-in-one face mask and night cream. Calendula extract, which is high in antioxidants, is combined with a number of hydrating ingredients, such as honey, aloe vera, and glycerin, to help reduce inflammation and shield the body from free radicals. Additionally, it has jojoba and beeswax oils, which function as occlusives to keep your skin hydrated.
LovelySkin LUXE Lipid Drops
Thanks to the humectant lecithin, these calming face drops are ready to help if you’re having problems with dryness, flakiness, or irritation of the skin by providing a shield of moisture. According to Dr. Schlessinger, “phospholipids, a lipid fat that is essential to your skin’s cell membrane function, are also contained in this facial serum.” Additionally, dimethicone and glycolipids combine to help stop moisture loss, leaving your skin feeling hydrated, healthy, and smooth.
Skin Inc Ceramide Serum
With this facial serum’s four distinct ceramides and glycerin acting as humectants, you’ll have more hydrated skin in no time. The active ingredients in this formula are delivered into your skin through a proprietary Japanese seaweed encapsulation technology, which is responsible for the tiny blue bubbles you see suspended in the bottle. Also a great option for those with sensitive skin or eczema, this serum is completely free of fragrance, parabens, phthalates, and sulfates.
Obagi Hydro-Drops Every Day
Because it contains betaine, an amino acid that helps to improve your skin’s ability to retain moisture, along with glycerin, this daily hydrating serum doubles as a great humectant moisturizer. Additionally, it has vitamin B3, also referred to as niacinamide, which is known to improve skin elasticity, minimize redness, and smooth wrinkles. As an occlusive, meadowfoam seed oil strengthens the skin barrier and helps to keep moisture in.