Humectants pull water into the pores and skin. You would possibly hear “water-loving” or “hydrophilic” tossed round when discussing this ingredient class, and that is as a result of humectants really bond to water—and this bond permits the elements to journey with water because it will get absorbed into the pores and skin cells.
It’s essential to make clear that humectants are a category of elements, which embody hyaluronic acid, glycerin, panthenol (vitamin B5), lactic acid, aloe vera, and some different noteworthy hydrators. The pores and skin makes its personal humectants, together with hyaluronic acid. But it’s essential to make use of them topically too (particularly with age, as our provide declines as we become older).