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A moisturizer, or emollient, is a Cosmetics used for protecting, moisturizing, and lubricating the Human skin. These functions are normally performed by Sebaceous gland produced by healthy skin. The word "emollient" is derived from the Latin verb mollire, to soften.
Moisturizers modify the rate of water loss, with active ingredients of moisturizers falling into one of two categories: occlusives and .
Occlusives form a hydrophobic coating on the surface of the skin, keeping moisture from escaping. The more occlusive the formulation, the greater the effect. are more occlusive than , which are more occlusive than lotion. Water loss through the skin is normally about 4–8 g/(m2⋅h). A layer of petrolatum applied to normal skin can reduce that loss by 50–75% for several hours. Oils naturally produced by the human body moisturize through this same mechanism.
Humectants are hydrophilic and absorb water. They absorb water from humid air (when >70% humidity) to moisturize the skin. Humectants can also draw moisture from deeper layers of the skin to the surface, which may reduce hydration in the lower layers if not combined with occlusives. When used in practical applications, humectants are combined with occlusives. Moisturizers commonly contain water, which acts as a temporary hydration agent.
Other popular moisturizers are cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, cocoa butter, isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, lanolin, liquid paraffin, polyethylene glycols, shea butter, , stearic acid, stearyl alcohol and castor oil, and other oils.
Moisturizers may also be available as , creams, , , or .
Mineral oils and waxes are not prone to oxidation or rancidity. For this reason, they have essentially replaced in emollients and topical medication.
Moisturizer cosmetics may additionally contain , , , , penetration enhancers, , and . Some products are marketed as having anti-wrinkle and skin enhancement effects. Many plant and animal extracts have been claimed to impart skin benefits, but such claims are presented with little scientific evidence.
Moisturizers are also widely used in , , , , , and .
Moisturizers are used in disposable diapers to prevent dry skin and diaper dermatitis.
Moisturizers show some beneficial effects in treating atopic dermatitis (eczema). Using moisturizers helps to improve skin comfort and may reduce disease flares. They can be used as leave-on treatments, bath additives, or Soap substitute. There are many different moisturizer products, but the majority of leave-on treatments (from least to most greasy) are one of the following: lotions, creams, gels, or ointments. As none of the different types of moisturizers are more effective than the others, people with atopic dermatitis need to choose one or more products according to their age, affected body site, climate/season, and personal preference. Evidence on the preventive effects of daily moisturizer use in infants remains inconclusive.
Changes in the skin's normal ecological environment–either atop or within the skin–can also allow for the overgrowth of pathogens.
There is currently no regulation over use of the term "hypoallergenic". In fact, some pediatric skin products marketed as hypoallergenic contained allergens.
Those with eczema are especially vulnerable to allergic reaction with lotions and creams, as their compromised skin barrier allows preservatives to bind with and activate immune cells.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology released a warning in 2014 that natural lotion containing ingredients commonly found in food (such as goats milk, cow's milk, coconut milk, or oil) may introduce new allergies, potentially causing an allergic reaction upon later consuming such foods. A paper published in 2021 noted that frequent skin moisturization in early life might promote the development of food allergy, even when skin conditions such as eczema are taken into account.
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