Emollients are products used to add moisture to the skin, while emollients are products used to soften and smooth skin. Emollients can come in many forms, including creams, ointments, powders, and bars that look like soap. They are often used to help manage skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Emollients can be divided into three categories: emollients, occlusives, and humectants.
Emollients contain oily substances such as lanolin, glyceryl stearate, and soy sterols, that soften and smooth skin by filling cracks in the skin’s outermost layer.
Occlusives provide a hydrophobic (lipophilic) layer of oil on the surface of the skin, forming a protective barrier to reduce evaporative water loss from the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the epidermis) . Examples of occlusive ingredients include petroleum jelly, paraffin, and dimethicone.
Humectants are hydrophilic (‘water-loving’), therefore attract and retain water in the stratum corneum, similar to the natural hydrating factors found in corneocytes. Examples of humectant agents include glycerine, urea, alpha hydroxy acids (e.g., lactic acid or glycolic acid), and salicylic acid.
Emollients may also contain other ingredients such as surfactants (cleansers), fragrances, and preservatives. However, some of these ingredients can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. To minimize these risks, it is important to ask a healthcare provider which products are right for your skin type.
In summary, emollients are products used to add moisture to the skin, while emollients are products used to soften and smooth skin. They can come in many forms, including creams, ointments, powders, and bars that look like soap. Emollients can be divided into three categories: emollients, occlusives, and humectants. While they are generally safe to use, some ingredients in emollients can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
