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humectants
Humectants in cosmetics:
protection and moisture for the skin
The skin is the largest organ in the human body, and moisture plays a crucial role in keeping it healthy and supple. Humectants are essential ingredients in many cosmetic formulations. They work by attracting water from the surrounding air and binding it in the upper layers of the skin, preventing dryness and irritation.
Below we will show you which humectants are most commonly used in cosmetics, their effect on the skin and which products they are found in. This will help you choose the right humectant for your cosmetic products and offer your customers the best possible care.
What are humectants and how do they work?
Humectants act like tiny magnets that attract water from the surrounding air or deeper layers of the skin. By attracting and retaining moisture, they help keep the skin hydrated and smooth. They are particularly useful in low humidity environments as they can increase the skin's moisture levels.
Humectants come in many different forms – from natural ingredients such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid to synthetic compounds such as propylene glycol or pentylene glycol.
In creams, serums, masks and hair care products, they prevent drying out and improve the skin structure.
Benefits of Humectants for the Skin
Moisture retention: Humectants help retain moisture in the skin, which is especially important for dry skin.
Soothing: Some humectants have soothing properties that protect and support irritated or sensitive skin.
Smoothing: They help to smooth the skin's appearance and distribute moisture evenly throughout the skin.
| Designation | INCI Name | Application | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 | Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 | Anti-Aging-Cremes, Seren | Moisturizing, Anti-Aging |
| Allantoin | Allantoin | Creams, masks, after-sun products | Moisturizing, soothing |
| Aloe Vera Gel | Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice | creams, masks, hair care products | Moisturizing, cooling |
| Ammonium Lactate | Ammonium Lactate | creams, serums, body care products | Moisturizing, exfoliating |
| Betaine | Betaine | moisturizers, shampoos | Moisturizing, nourishing |
| Butylene Glycol | Butylene Glycol | moisturizers, serums, hair cosmetics | Moisturizing, Texture Enhancer |
| C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate | C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate | creams, serums, hair care products | Moisturizing, smoothing |
| Caprylyl Glycol | Caprylyl Glycol | creams, serums, hair care products | Moisturizing, antimicrobial |
| Chitosan | Chitosan | creams, serums, hair care products | Moisturizing, skin smoothing |
| Coco-Caprylate/Caprate | Coco-Caprylate/Caprate | creams, serums, hair care products | Moisturizing, nourishing |
| Collagen | Hydrolyzed Collagen | Anti-Aging Creams, Seren, Mask | Moisturizing, Anti-Aging |
| Cyclopentasiloxane | Cyclopentasiloxane | creams, serums, hair care products | Moisturizing, smoothing |
| Erythritol | Erythritol | Creams, Mask, Seren | Moisturizing, nourishing |
| Ethylhexylglycerin | Ethylhexylglycerin | Creams, lotions, deodorants | Moisturizing, antimicrobial |
| Fructose | Fructose | creams, masks, hair care products | Moisturizing, nourishing |
| Glycereth-26 | Glycereth-26 | Creams, lotions, soaps | Moisturizing, nourishing |
| Glycerin | Glycerin | creams, serums, lotions | Moisturizing, nourishing |
| Glyceryl Glucoside | Glyceryl Glucoside | creams, serums, lotions | Moisturizing, nourishing |
| Glyceryl Oleate | Glyceryl Oleate | creams, shampoos, hair care products | Moisturizing, smoothing |
| Glyceryl Stearate SE | Glyceryl Stearate SE | creams, lotions, shampoos | Moisturizing, emulsifying |
| Hexylene Glycol | Hexylene Glycol | creams, serums, hair care products | Moisturizing, nourishing |
| Honey | Mel | creams, masks, shampoos | Moisturizing, soothing |
| Hyaluronic Acid | hyaluronic acid | Anti-Aging Creams, Seren, Mask | Moisturizing, anti-aging |
| Hydrolyzed Keratin | Hydrolyzed Keratin | shampoos, conditioners, hair care products | Moisturizing, smoothing |
| Hydrolyzed Rice Protein | Hydrolyzed Rice Protein | moisturizers, hair care products | Moisturizing, nourishing |
| Hydrolyzed Silk | Hydrolyzed Silk | creams, masks, hair care products | Moisturizing, smoothing |
| Hydrolyzed Soy Protein | Hydrolyzed Soy Protein | creams, masks, hair care products | Moisturizing, nourishing |
| Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein | Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein | creams, serums, hair care products | Moisturizing, smoothing |
| Hydroxyethyl Urea | Hydroxyethyl Urea | creams, serums, hair care products | Moisturizing, skin smoothing |
| Designation | INCI Name | Application | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inositol | Inositol | creams, serums, hair care products | Moisturizing, nourishing |
| Lactic Acid | Lactic Acid | Creams, Peels, Anti-Aging Products | Moisturizing, exfoliating |
| Lactobacillus Ferment | Lactobacillus Ferment | Creams, Seren, Anti-Aging Products | Moisturizing, antioxidant |
| Lecithin | Lecithin | creams, serums, hair care products | Moisturizing, nourishing |
| Maltitol | Maltitol | Creams, masks, soaps | Moisturizing, nourishing |
| Panthenol | Panthenol | moisturizers, shampoos, serums | Moisturizing, soothing |
| PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil | PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil | creams, lotions, shampoos | Moisturizing, emulsifying |
| PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate | PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate | Creams, shampoos, soaps | Moisturizing, smoothing |
| PEG-8 | PEG-8 | Creams, Seren, Shampoos | Moisturizing, emulsifying |
| Pentylene Glycol | Pentylene Glycol | creams, serums, hair care products | Moisturizing, antimicrobial |
| Phytosphingosine | Phytosphingosine | creams, serums, skin care products | Moisturizing, skin regenerating |
| Polyglycerin-10 | Polyglycerin-10 | creams, serums, lotions | Moisturizing, improves texture |
| Polyglycerin-3 | Polyglycerin-3 | creams, serums, lotions | Moisturizing, nourishing |
| Polyquaternium-10 | Polyquaternium-10 | Shampoos, conditioners, moisturizers | Moisturizing, film-forming |
| Polyquaternium-51 | Polyquaternium-51 | creams, serums, lotions | Moisturizing, skin-soothing |
| Potassium PCA | Potassium PCA | creams, serums, hair care products | Moisturizing, nourishing |
| PPG-26-Buteth-26 | PPG-26-Buteth-26 | creams, serums, hair care products | Moisturizing, nourishing |
| Propylene Glycol | Propylene Glycol | creams, lotions, hair cosmetics | Moisturizing, improves texture |
| Saccharide Isomerate | Saccharide Isomerate | Creams, Seren, Mask | Moisturizing, skin smoothing |
| Simmondsia Chinensis Oil | Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil | creams, masks, hair care products | Moisturizing, smoothing |
| Sodium Alginate | Sodium Alginate | creams, masks, shampoos | Moisturizing, thickening |
| Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate | Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate | Creams, Seren, Anti-Aging Products | Moisturizing, antioxidant |
| Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate | Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate | Anti-Aging-Cremes, Seren | Moisturizing, Anti-Aging |
| Sodium Citrate | Sodium Citrate | creams, masks, hair care products | Moisturizing, pH-regulating |
| Sodium Coco-Sulfate | Sodium Coco-Sulfate | Creams, shampoos, soaps | Moisturizing, cleansing |
| Sodium Gluconate | Sodium Gluconate | Creams, masks, soaps | Moisturizing, antioxidant |
| Sucrose Laurate | Sucrose Laurate | creams, serums, lotions | Moisturizing, emulsifying |
| Trehalose | Trehalose | Creams, Mask, Seren | Moisturizing, antioxidant |
| Xylitylglucoside | Xylitylglucoside | creams, serums, hair care products | Moisturizing, nourishing |
