It is said that the three elements of skin care are cleansing, moisturizing and sun protection, each of which is crucial. We often see cosmetics advertisements repeatedly shouting about the importance of moisturizing the skin and locking in moisture, but do you know what substances have a moisturizing effect? Do you know which category the commonly seen ingredients glycerin, ceramide, and hyaluronic acid belong to?
In moisturizing cosmetics, there are four categories of pigments that can play a moisturizing role: oil ingredients, hygroscopic small molecule compounds, hydrophilic macromolecular compounds and repairing ingredients.
1. Oils and fats
Such as Vaseline, olive oil, almond oil, etc. This kind of raw material can form a grease film on the skin surface after use, which is equivalent to covering the skin with a layer of fresh-keeping film, which plays a role in slowing down the loss of water in the stratum corneum and maintaining the moisture content of the stratum corneum.
2. Hygroscopic small molecule compounds
Its moisturizing ingredients are mostly small-molecule polyols, acids, and salts; they are water-absorbent and can absorb moisture from the surrounding environment, thereby increasing the moisture content of skin cuticles. Common ones include glycerol, butylene glycol, etc. However, due to its strong hygroscopicity, this type of moisturizing ingredient is not suitable for excessively humid summers and cold and dry winters when used alone or diluted. It can be improved by combining oils and fats.
3. Hydrophilic macromolecular compounds
Generally polysaccharides and some polymers. After swelling with water, it can form a spatial network structure, which combines free water so that the water is not easily lost, thus playing a role in moisturizing. Generally, these raw materials have a film-forming effect and have a smooth skin feel. The representative raw material is the well-known hyaluronic acid. It has a wide range of applications, is safe and gentle, has obvious moisturizing effect, and is suitable for all types of skin types and climate conditions.
4. Restorative ingredients
Such as ceramide, phospholipids and other lipid components. The stratum corneum is the body’s natural barrier. If the barrier function is reduced, the skin will easily lose moisture. Adding raw materials that enhance the barrier function of the stratum corneum into moisturizing products can effectively reduce the skin’s water loss rate and achieve a moisturizing effect. They are like cuticle repairmen.
Post time: Dec-11-2023