Skin care products with moisturizing effects are mainly aimed at supplementing the skin’s own water-retaining function. The main ingredients of moisturizing products are either water-soluble or oil-based, which can form an oil film on the skin to prevent water loss.
1. Water-soluble moisturizer
It can replenish natural moisturizing factors and lock in moisture. Large molecular sodium hyaluronate cannot enter the interstitial matrix, but it will form a transparent, tough, and non-greasy water-retaining film on the skin surface. This type of product is suitable for all skin types, but if you have very dry skin, you should also add a moisturizing cream product.
Representative ingredients:
Polyols (butylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, mannitol, sorbitol…);
Carbohydrates (biosaccharide gum, rhamnose, dextran, hyaluronic acid…)
2. Oil-soluble water-locking agent
To replenish sebum, an oil film is formed on the surface of the skin to prevent water loss. Such products are usually lotions, creams, or skin care oils.
Representative ingredients:
Natural sources (vegetable oils: jojoba oil, shea butter… Animal oils: horse oil, lanolin… Mineral oils: mineral oil, paraffin…);
Synthetic oils (artificial synthetic oils, silicone oil…);
Between natural and artificial (squalane, fatty acids, glyceryl fatty acids…).
3. Intercellular lipids
Intercellular lipids are hard to come by, but they are easily lost due to excessive cleansing, which leads to a decrease in the skin’s ability to lock in moisture. Therefore, while gently cleansing your face, you should also properly replenish intercellular lipids.
Representative ingredients:
Ceramide, cholesterol, free fatty acids.