Humectant Vs. Emollient: What’s The Difference?

The skincare world can be as basic or as extravagant as you want it to be. Some people just wash their face, add a little moisturizer, and are ready to go, while some prefer more extensive methods, such as the 10-step Korean skincare routine with an array of serums, eye creams, and face masks. Whichever category you fall under, one step always includes moisturizing your face.

In fact, Dr. Peter Schmid, plastic surgeon and SkinCeuticals ambassador, told Skincare.com, “Moisturizer is simply a generic term encompassing an extensive array of topical creams, gels, lotions, emulsions, and ointments.” Moisturizers typically contain three kinds of ingredients called humectants, emollients, and occlusives for their specific benefits.

How does a moisturizer help the skin? According to Healthline, moisturizers help “increase the water content in the stratum corneum, the skin’s outermost layer, which relieves dryness.” A well-hydrated face feels softer and looks healthier, and moisturizers can also help combat signs of aging. Moreover, Temitayo A. Ogunleye, M.D., told SELF a moisturizer “‘seals’ in the cracks between your skin and allows you to retain moisture for longer.” Humectants and emollients perform very different functions though they sound very similar, and sometimes, an ingredient can be both a humectant and an emollient. But what makes…