Moisturizers generally fall into three categories: humectants, emollients, and occlusives. While these terms may be complicated, scientific words, each plays a distinct and important role in keeping healthy, hydrated skin. But what do they actually mean, and how do they benefit skin in need of moisture? More importantly, do their functions go beyond moisturizing?
Moisturizers, What Do They Mean For The Skin?
Most people think moisturizing just means adding hydration to the skin, but there are multiple reasons your skin may need extra moisture. If you have dry skin, your body may not produce enough natural oils to keep it moisturized. Cleansers can also strip away your skin’s natural moisture barrier. Lastly, if you’re using any active treatments (antibiotics, chemical peels, retinol treatments, laser hair removal, dermaplaning, etc.), your skin needs moisture to properly heal itself.
Not all moisturizers work the same way, either. Some focus on drawing water back into the skin, while others soothe and soften by filling the spaces between skin cells with lipids. Some mainly act as a sealant, locking everything in so moisture can’t escape.
Understanding how moisturizers work can help you properly choose for your skin's needs. Let’s dive in!
What are Humectants?1
If you have ever wondered what humectant moisturizers are, they act like magnets for moisture, drawing water from the air and binding it to the skin to create a dewy, plump appearance. They’re perfect for anyone looking for lightweight, non-greasy hydration and work especially well for dehydrated skin.
Common humectant ingredients include glycerin, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, honey, ceramides, and peptides. Many people also ask what humectants are made of, and the answer depends on the ingredient itself. Humectants can be naturally derived from plants, sugars, or proteins, while others are created synthetically through biochemistry for various skincare formulations.
What are Emollients?
Instead of simply drawing moisture into the skin, they work by softening and soothing the skin. They fill the gaps between skin cells with lipids, helping lock in moisture and strengthen the skin barrier. They are especially beneficial for dry, flaky, or rough skin and are often essential for managing conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
Common ingredients include plant-based oils such as jojoba and almond oil, solid fats like shea and cocoa butter, and fatty acids. Check out our skin collection to find the emollient moisturizer that’s right for your skin.
What are Occulsives?
Unlike emollients, which nourish the skin by filling in the gaps between skin cells, occlusives work by creating a physical barrier on the skin’s surface. This barrier helps seal in moisture and prevents water loss through evaporation.
Occlusives work best when applied over already hydrated skin, helping lock in all the moisture underneath. They typically have a thicker, richer texture and are commonly found in ingredients like petroleum jelly, waxes, and mineral oil.2
Takeaway
As your skin’s needs change with the seasons, it’s important to adapt and choose the type of moisturizer that works best for your skin type. Pay attention to what your skin is telling you and give it the care and support it needs to stay healthy.
For the best results, it’s often recommended to combine all three types of moisturizers: humectants, emollients, and occlusives. Together, they provide complete, long-lasting care by hydrating, nourishing, and protecting the skin all at once.
Notes
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The humectant used in our best-selling moisturizer is aloe vera juice. Another humectant we sometimes use in scrubs and cleansers is honey. Aloe vera is also featured in our Whipped Body & Hair Butter, where it acts as a humectant to help create a long-lasting moisture seal for all-day hydration.
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Although most common occlusives are made from synthetic ingredients like crude oil, we only use plant-based occlusives such as beeswax, calendula wax, and emulsifying wax to create a long-term moisturizer.