HUMECTANTS: INGREDIENT DEEP DIVE

 Hi, babes! Emma here, and let's get acquainted with humectants today, shall we? 

I think you’ll agree with me when I say that healthy, radiant skin is one thing that never goes out of style, even as trends come and go. This can be accomplished by a variety of factors and components, including humectants. A humectant is a typical moisturising ingredient found in cosmetics for your skin and hair. You probably know more about humectants than you think; they're known for their capacity to hold onto moisture while maintaining the general characteristics of the product in question.


So, what are they exactly?

A humectant is an essential factor in maintaining the skin's moisture balance. It is a component that aids in attracting moisture to the skin's surface and holds onto water to prevent the skin from rapidly drying out. It is frequently found in body and face care products such serums, lotions, and creams.

Hyaluronic acid and other humectants with collagen-booster characteristics are well-known and frequently present in our daily skincare products. Although the origins of various humectants vary, they all serve the same function as skin hydrators. While some humectants are produced synthetically from other sources to produce components like glycerin and propylene glycol, others are derived from natural sources like honey and aloe vera.


The benefits?

Drawing moisture into the skin is the key feature of humectants. Humectants are designed to draw water to themselves like a sponge. The amount of moisture they can store can commonly be between 100 and 1000 times their weight.

Another benefit of humectants is that they help make a protective barrier on the skin, especially those with occlusive properties. They help seal the cracks in the skin and prevent further damage from occurring. 

Besides that, they can be keratolytics. A well known humectant, urea, can also be used as a skin-removing agent. It works well on skin that is dry or rough, like the heels. 

Side effects? 

Humectants don't often have any negative effects, but it's crucial to remember that the optimum time to use them is right after cleansing, when the skin is still wet.

Humectants can either be your best friend or your greatest foe if you have dry skin. When there is little humidity in the air and the humectant is sprayed frequently during the day, issues start to happen. It will start to rob moisture from deeper skin layers, which could cause the skin to become dry.

The thing is that, without even realising it, you are probably already applying humectants to your skin. Humectants are used in the formulation of water-based skincare products because they moisturise and have preservative qualities. Any time during your skincare process, when your skin is still damp, you can apply humectant-rich products. Here’s some recommendations below if you haven’t already included something humectant-based in your routine. 

Product recommendations


Vichy Minéral 89


Hyaluronic acid and the mineral-rich Vichy Volcanic Water in this light essence aid the skin to enhance hydration and protect the skin barrier while also making the skin appear smoother and plumper. It is simple to use and can be used either alone or after a cream with a higher moisture content.


Tatcha Dewy Cream


I’m not a fan of the price of this product, but I think it’s worth the splurge from time to time. Why? It contains a lot of antioxidants, and because it is so moisturising, it hasn't made my sensitive face break out. It fills out and smoothes, living up to its moniker.


Neutrogena Hyaluronic Acid Serum

For individuals who prefer serums as moisturising agents, this fragrance-free, non-comedogenic serum from the pharmacy is an excellent choice. With this powerful hydrator, a few drops after washing the face go a long way.

La Roche Posay Face Repair Lotion


This product is a "phenomenal everyday lotion" , a high-end item with a reasonable price. It has niacinamide to prevent antioxidant damage and also comes in a fun sized tube. 

Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Serum

Different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid are included in this serum, which targets the various skin layers. It moisturises the skin, making it feel supple, smooth, and noticeably plumper. It can also minimise the look of fine wrinkles.

So there you go, babes, a lesson in humectants. I hope this post opened your eyes a bit more to the lovely benefits of hydration when it comes to skin care. 

Until next time. 

Love, 
Emma 

xxxx

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