emollient

Emollients are ingredients that soften and smooth the skin by filling the spaces between skin cells with fatty substances, called lipids, which make the skin smoother and softer. They can be found in various products such as lotions, moisturizers, and cosmetic products. Some examples of emollient ingredients include wool fat, palm oil, coconut oil, and oat kernel flour. Emollients are effective for healing dry, flaky, and itchy skin, and they are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under cosmetic rules as they are commonly found in personal care products like lotions. While emollients fill the spaces between skin cells, occlusive ingredients create a physical barrier on top of the skin to keep the skin moist and hydrated. Some ingredients, like lanolin oil, can act as both occlusive and emollient ingredients