How to Build a Hydration Powerhouse: The Best Ingredients for Moisturizing Skin

Hydrating and Moisturizing Ingredients List and Dictionary

When it comes to skincare, choosing the right moisturizing ingredients is crucial to maintaining healthy, hydrated skin. However, it’s important to note that there isn’t a single “best” moisturizing ingredient. The most effective moisturizers generally combine ingredients from multiple categories, and your unique skin type will determine which ingredients work best for you. If you’re unsure about your skin type, consider taking a Baumann Skin Type Quiz to identify the right moisturizing ingredients for your skin’s needs.

There are five main categories of moisturizing ingredients that help address different aspects of skin hydration and barrier repair. A comprehensive moisturizer should typically include ingredients from a variety of these categories to provide short-term hydration and long-term barrier protection.

Main Categories of Moisturizing Ingredients

The five main categories of moisturizing ingredients are:

Emollients

Humectants

Occlusives

Oils

Fatty Acids

These categories are essential for creating moisturizers that meet different skin needs, whether you are looking for quick hydration, long-lasting moisture, or barrier repair.

1. Emollients: Softening and Smoothing Agents

Emollients are ingredients that smooth and soften the skin by coating its surface. These ingredients create a temporary, smooth appearance by improving the texture of the skin and allowing light to reflect off it, making the skin look more radiant. Emollients are also known for their ability to mask fine lines and wrinkles.

Common Emollient Ingredients:

Dimethicone: A silicone-based emollient that creates a smooth, silky texture.

Cetearyl Alcohol: A fatty alcohol that smooths the skin and adds moisture.

Cyclopentasiloxane: A lightweight silicone that provides smoothness and softens skin without feeling greasy.

Emollients can sometimes also function as humectants (ingredients that attract moisture) or occlusives (ingredients that create a barrier). In some cases, an emollient will have dual functions to provide both temporary smoothness and longer-lasting hydration.

2. Humectants: Drawing Moisture into the Skin

Humectants are ingredients that pull moisture from the environment or deeper layers of the skin and draw it into the skin’s surface. These ingredients are crucial for giving your skin that fresh, dewy appearance. In humid climates, humectants work especially well by attracting moisture from the air. However, in dry climates, they may pull moisture from the skin, which can lead to dehydration if not paired with occlusives.

Common Humectant Ingredients:

Glycerin: One of the most popular and effective humectants, glycerin attracts moisture from the air and binds it to the skin.

Hyaluronic Acid: Known for its ability to retain moisture, hyaluronic acid holds up to 1000 times its weight in water.

Urea: A natural humectant that is both moisturizing and exfoliating.

Propylene Glycol: A synthetic humectant that helps to attract water into the skin.

When using humectants, it’s best to combine them with occlusives (which create a barrier to lock in moisture) to prevent moisture from evaporating, especially in dry conditions.

3. Occlusives: Locking in Moisture

Occlusives create a protective layer on the skin’s surface, preventing water loss and sealing moisture in. These ingredients are ideal for creating long-lasting hydration. Occlusives are particularly useful in dry, cold climates where moisture can easily escape from the skin. Occlusives are often thicker than other moisturizing ingredients and may leave a greasy or heavy feeling on the skin.

Common Occlusive Ingredients:

Petrolatum (Petroleum Jelly): A powerful occlusive ingredient that locks moisture in and protects the skin from the elements.

Beeswax: A natural occlusive agent that forms a protective barrier on the skin.

Dimethicone: Also functions as an emollient and occlusive, creating a barrier to prevent water loss.

Lanolin: A natural, waxy substance derived from sheep’s wool, providing both occlusive and emollient benefits.

Coconut Oil: While often used as an oil, it also serves as an occlusive ingredient, keeping moisture sealed in.

These ingredients are great for dry or damaged skin, as they help create a barrier to maintain moisture and prevent irritation.

4. Oils: Nourishing and Hydrating Fatty Acids

Oils are natural moisturizers that provide essential fatty acids to help keep the skin hydrated and nourished. Oils are a great source of both unsaturated and saturated fatty acids, which help maintain the skin’s barrier function and improve moisture retention. However, oils are occlusive in nature, so they may not be ideal for acne-prone skin as they could clog pores.

Common Oil Ingredients:

Argan Oil: Rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, argan oil is known for its moisturizing and anti-aging properties.

Jojoba Oil: Similar in composition to the skin’s natural sebum, jojoba oil hydrates and balances the skin.

Olive Oil: A deeply hydrating oil packed with fatty acids and antioxidants, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

Rosehip Oil: Known for its ability to hydrate and improve skin texture, rosehip oil is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins.

Coconut Oil: A popular oil with strong occlusive properties, helping to seal moisture in.

Although oils are highly beneficial for moisture retention, it’s important to be cautious with oils if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, as some oils can be comedogenic (clog pores).

5. Fatty Acids: Maintaining Skin’s Barrier Function

Fatty Acids are essential components of the skin’s natural barrier, and they play an important role in maintaining hydration. Fatty acids help prevent moisture loss by forming part of the skin’s lipid barrier, which protects the skin from external aggressors. They also support the production of healthy, functioning skin cells.

Common Fatty Acid Ingredients:

Linoleic Acid: An essential fatty acid that helps to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier.

Oleic Acid: A monounsaturated fatty acid that is highly moisturizing and soothing for dry skin.

Stearic Acid: A saturated fatty acid that helps to protect and condition the skin.

Lauric Acid: Found in coconut oil, lauric acid helps to hydrate and balance the skin’s oil levels.

Fatty acids are typically found in oils and butters and play a significant role in repairing and reinforcing the skin’s barrier, especially in dry or damaged skin.

The Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF)

The Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) is a critical element in maintaining the skin’s hydration. It consists of various natural substances, including amino acids, that are naturally found in the skin and contribute to moisture retention and barrier function.

NMF is primarily composed of amino acids such as histidine, glutamine, and arginine, which have hygroscopic properties—meaning they attract and bind water effectively. These amino acids contribute to the skin’s ability to stay hydrated and retain moisture.

NMF-Related Ingredients:

Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid (PCA)

Urea

Lactate

Histidine

Glutamine

Arginine

Although NMF itself is not typically included in skincare products, the amino acids that contribute to its function are commonly found in moisturizers.

Finding the Best Moisturizing Ingredients for Your Skin

Choosing the best moisturizer for your skin involves understanding which types of ingredients are suitable for your Baumann Skin Type. Everyone’s skin has different needs, and factors like climate, age, and skin concerns all play a role in determining which moisturizing ingredients will work best.

To make sure you’re getting the most out of your moisturizer, pay attention to the ingredient list, and look for a combination of humectants, emollients, and occlusives to ensure both immediate and long-lasting hydration.

Common Moisturizing Ingredients to Look For:

Glycerin

Hyaluronic Acid

Cocoa Butter

Shea Butter

Squalane

Macadamia Oil

Sunflower Oil

Coconut Oil

For a personalized recommendation, consider taking a skincare quiz to identify the best ingredients for your skin’s unique needs.

Conclusion

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to moisturizing ingredients. Whether you prefer lightweight hydrating formulas or rich oils, understanding your skin type and how different ingredients function can help you make the right choice. By combining the best ingredients from each moisturizing category, you can keep your skin hydrated, healthy, and glowing year-round.

Take the quiz to find the best moisturizing ingredients for your skin, and always check the product labels to ensure you’re selecting the best moisturizer for your unique needs.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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