Humectants: What they are, what they do and why we need them

more often the term Humectant, which means something like moisture binder. But what exactly does this term mean, which skin types are these active ingredients suitable for and how do you use them.

The benefits of humectants for the skin

Humectants are a humectant for the skin. This means that they attract water like a magnet and then bind it in the skin cells. They draw this water either from the environment, if there is enough moisture in the air, or from the deeper layers of the skin. As humectants, humectants occur naturally in the cell layer, where they maintain skin hydration, regulate the shedding of dead skin cells from the outer layer of skin, and maintain skin acidity to prevent infection.

Even if you haven't heard the term humectants too often, they are anything but unknown. On the contrary: most of these moisture binders have been classics in skin care for years. Typical representatives include alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), hyaluronic acid, glycerin, panthenol, urea or aloe vera.

What skin types are Humectans suitable for?

Every skin needs moisture and therefore Humectants are basically suitable for every skin type. Combination and oily skin in particular enjoys care with these humectants, as no additional oil needs to be added to the skin.

Studies have shown that dry skin prone to eczema lacks natural moisturizing factors, making skin more prone to dryness and flaking. Skin care products with moisture binders can help the skin rebuild this protection. However, a little caution is required, especially with this skin type.

As already mentioned, humectants draw moisture from their environment. But if the air is dry, like in winter, the humectants instead pull the moisture from the deeper layers of the skin and redistribute it. In the dry season, everyone with dry skin should use humectants sparingly so as not to accidentally remove more moisture from the skin than it provides.

The best application of humectants

Fortunately, most products formulated with moisture binders take this situation into account by including an occlusive. These moisturizing active ingredients form a protective layer on the surface of the skin and create a barrier against moisture loss. By imitating the skin's natural lipid barrier, they also have protective properties.

Even though they are considered problematic, mineral oils and silicones are among the best and most commonly used occlusives in skin care products. But there are also some less controversial solutions such as squalane, castor oil or shea butter.