An emollient is an ingredient in a moisturizer that softens and smooths dry, rough, or flaky skin, making it look and feel better. It works by filling the spaces between skin cells with fatty substances, called lipids, which make the skin smoother and softer. Emollients can also act as occlusive agents, coating the skin with a thin oily film that seals the water in the skin, keeping it hydrated longer. They are effective for soothing and healing dry skin due to various causes, including eczema, psoriasis, and irritation from harsh chemicals. Emollients can be found in various forms such as creams, lotions, and ointments, and they can contain ingredients like lanolin, glycerol stearate, and soy sterols. While emollients are generally safe to use, it's important to follow healthcare provider's instructions, especially when using prescription creams or products with active ingredients such as steroid creams. Using emollients after washing with soap and on damp skin can help improve their absorption and effectiveness
. Emollients have a positive impact on the skin, as they can relieve dryness, itching, and scaling, and complement the treatment of various skin conditions. However, some emollients, especially those that contain a lot of oil, can be greasy and may feel heavy on the skin, which could be considered a potential negative aspect by some users. It's important to note that the effectiveness and suitability of emollients can vary depending on the cause and severity of the skin condition, the part of the body that is affected, and personal preferences
. The ingredients or materials found in emollients can include a variety of oily substances such as lanolin, glycerol stearate, soy sterols, palm oil, and coconut oil, among others
