Moisturizer
Cosmetic preparation for protecting and moisturizing the skin.
A moisturizer, or emollient, is a cosmetic preparation used for protecting, moisturizing, and lubricating the skin. These functions are normally performed by sebum produced by healthy skin. The word 'emollient' is derived from the Latin verb mollire, to soften. Moisturizers modify the rate of water loss from the skin through active ingredients that fall into two categories: occlusives and humectants.
- field
- Cosmetics and dermatology
- known_for
- Protecting, moisturizing, and lubricating the skin; treating skin diseases such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis
- mechanism
- Occlusives form a hydrophobic coating; humectants absorb water from humid air or deeper skin layers
- common_types
- Petrolatum, cetyl alcohol, cocoa butter, lanolin, shea butter, silicone oils, and plant-based emollients
Lore & Background
Moisturizers function by regulating transepidermal water loss, the constant evaporation of water from deeper skin layers. Occlusives, such as petrolatum, form a hydrophobic coating that can reduce water loss by 50–75% for several hours. Humectants are hydrophilic and absorb water from humid air or draw moisture from deeper skin layers to the surface, though they are typically combined with occlusives to prevent reducing hydration in lower layers.
Reader's Guide
Moisturizers are used for treating skin diseases like psoriasis, ichthyosis vulgaris, xerosis, and pruritus in atopic dermatitis, and as bases for topical medications. They show beneficial effects in treating atopic dermatitis by improving skin comfort and reducing disease flares. However, daily moisturizer use in infants does not prevent eczema, and regular use on healthy infants is not recommended. Potential health risks include contact dermatitis from allergens or irritants, allergic reactions to aromas or food additives, and fire hazards from paraffin-based products. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency recommends that regular paraffin users change sheets regularly and avoid open flames near paraffin-coated people or objects.
Did You Know?
- The word 'emollient' is derived from the Latin verb mollire, meaning 'to soften'.
- A layer of petrolatum applied to normal skin can reduce water loss by 50–75% for several hours.
- Humectants absorb water from humid air when humidity is greater than 70%.
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