Emollients and humectants moisturize the skin—however, the two work differently. Emollients soothe and relieve dry or irritated skin by forming a film on the skin's surface. They also restore the skin barrier function, helping prevent irritants, allergens, and bacteria from entering the skin. Examples of emollients include jojoba, almond and squalane oils, shea butter, and ceramides.
Humectants draw water from the air into the skin, replenishing its natural moisture and making it feel softer, smoother, and supple. This class of products works best in humid environments. They are often paired with occlusives to prevent water from evaporating. A good skincare routine includes humectants first and emollients last.
The choice of moisturizer depends on the skin type and concerns. If the skin is oily, a water-based moisturizer may work best. Dry and itchy skin may require a richer cream or ointment.
These products reduce redness, blotchiness, or any signs of skin distress. Moisturizing body washes, for instance, soothe skin texture and relieve redness or itching. Many ingredients have a skin-soothing action. Cosmetic products for sensitive skin are designed to minimize sensory perceptions of sensitive skin.
Eighty-eight products from 19 multinational brands were studied. The ingredients reviewed included niacinamide, Avena sativa, allantoin, glycyrrhetinic acid, and derivatives of Laminaria ochroleuca. Over half of the products analyzed used ingredients that reduce skin inflammation and act on the skin barrier. Scientific evidence supported the efficacy and mechanisms of action of the most used active ingredients. (Ferreira, M S. et al., 2022)
Flavonoids found in natural compounds have been shown to benefit human skin from environmental stress. Epstein, H A (2010)
Aloe vera and hyaluronic acid are popular ingredients in skin moisturizers. Other ingredients that soothe the skin include almond oil, vitamin E, allantoin, bisabolol (Chamomile), honey, panthenol, cottonseed oil, peptides, colloidal oatmeal, vitamin C, and zinc oxide.
Jojoba oil
Jojoba oil comes from crushed beans of a drought-resistant shrub native to the semi-arid regions of the Southwest US and northern Mexico. The plant's botanical name is Simmondsia chinensis. It is now cultivated extensively for its oil in Israel, Argentina, Peru, Australia, Mexico, the US, and other parts of the world. Israel is the largest producer and distributor of jojoba oil in the world.
Jojoba oil is a lubricant that can be catalytically converted into biodiesel. It is also used in the cosmetic industry. The global jojoba oil market was 19413.4 tons in 2023. IMARC Group expects it to climb to 32631.7 tons by 2032.
Jojoba oil is extracted from the seeds of the jojoba plant. It is a liquid wax that contains esters that mimic the skin's natural oils. Jojoba oil is an emollient and texture enhancer that helps with hydration and gives the skin a smooth and soft feel. It repairs the skin's lipid barrier, reduces water loss from the skin, and controls sebum production. (Lin T K et al., 2017)
It is among the top-ranked oils due to its wax, which constitutes about 98% (mainly wax esters, a few free fatty acids, alcohols, and hydrocarbons). It also contains sterols, vitamins, flavonoids, phenolic, and cyanogenic compounds. (Gad H A et al., 2021)
The oil penetrates the skin's pores and moisturizes from within. It is beneficial to dry, flaky, or rough skin. It helps heal dry, cracked, and irritated skin and boosts wound healing by encouraging collagen synthesis. (Ranzato, E et al., 2011). This improves skin elasticity. The oil helps soothe sunburns and reduces the chances of peeling.
The oil's antioxidants help soften fine lines, boosting skin complexion by preventing oil oxidation and slowing down signs of aging. They also help prevent acne caused by clogged pores.
Jojoba oil is extensively used in lipsticks, lip gloss, eye creams, sunscreens, shampoos, and conditioners. It can also be used as a makeup remover. It is applied with a cotton pad. The oil contains natural Vitamin E and helps maintain the skin's pH balance.
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