Hydrating skin care products contain ingredients that add water into the skin, while moisturizing ingredients help keep that hydration in the skin by preventing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), the process by which water evaporates from your skin. Some products contain a combination of both hydrating and moisturizing ingredients, while others may only contain one or the other. The right combination of hydrating and moisturizing ingredients for your skin will depend on your skin type and the concerns you’re trying to address.
Here are some common hydrating ingredients found in skin care products:
- Hyaluronic acid: This is a humectant that works to pull water into the skin to plump skin and hydrate it.
- Glycerin: This is another humectant that attracts moisture from its surroundings and draws it into the skin.
- Ceramides: These are natural components of the skin barrier that help to replenish the skin barrier and prevent water loss.
- Lactic acid: This is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that gently exfoliates the top layer of skin and draws water into the skin.
In addition to these hydrating ingredients, there are also occlusives that prevent transepidermal water loss, allowing the skin to hold on to its moisture. Here are some common occlusive ingredients:
- Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride: This is an ester derived from coconut/palm/palm kernel oil that is a blend of fatty acids attached to a glycerin backbone. It provides long-lasting skin hydration.
- Petrolatum: This is a common occlusive ingredient that forms a barrier on the skin to prevent water loss.
Its important to note that the right combination of ingredients for your skin will depend on your skin type and concerns. For example, those with dry skin will likely need both hydrating and moisturizing ingredients, whereas those with oily skin may benefit more from occlusive moisturizing ingredients.
