Water is an essential element in the human body and one of the main components of the skin. In the dermis, water binds to collagen, elastin fibers, and glycosaminoglycans, improving the skin's elasticity and turgor. The epidermis, on the other hand, has a lower water content than the dermis. This is partly due to the transport of water that occurs between the epidermal layers. Water reaches the skin's outermost layer through a diffusion mechanism and eventually evaporates. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) largely depends on the lipid content of the epidermis, as both water and lipids coexist and form the epidermal barrier, which protects the body from external damage. Hydration is the fundamental basis of any cosmetic treatment. Moisturizing ingredients for cosmetics help improve the appearance and health of the skin.
Moisturizers for cosmetics are cosmetic ingredients that act to maintain the skin’s water content. Attracting moisture and retaining it, reducing transepidermal water loss, or interfering with water-carrying cellular proteins are some of the methods of action of moisturizing agents, through which they ensure an effective and long-lasting level of hydration in the skin.
Deep Hydration: Moisturizing agents in cosmetics offer deep and long-lasting hydration to the skin.
Moisture Retention: Moisturizing agents help retain moisture, preventing water loss and keeping the skin hydrated for longer periods.
Light Texture: Many moisturizing agents have humectant properties, influencing the texture of the cosmetic product and the sensory experience it provides on the skin.
Improvement of Skin Barrier: Moisturizing agents contribute to maintaining the skin barrier that protects against harmful external factors.
Daily Skincare: Cosmetics containing moisturizing agents are used as part of daily skincare routines, applied in the morning and/or evening to maintain constant hydration. Facial creams and body lotions are some of the cosmetics that typically include moisturizing agents in their formulations.
Makeup Base: Moisturizing agents can be included in makeup bases, providing a smooth and hydrated surface for makeup to look beautiful on the skin.
After Sun Exposure: Products with moisturizing agents are applied after sun exposure to hydrate and soothe sun-exposed skin.
Intensive Treatments: Skin hydration decreases with aging. Therefore, moisturizing agents are included in anti-aging treatment formulas such as firming serums.
Care for Oily Skin: Moisturizing agents are also added to formulations focused on caring for oily skin. This type of skin has excess sebum production and may also be dehydrated. The addition of moisturizing agents along with sebum-regulating agents promotes the quality of oily skin.
Hair Conditioners: Moisturizing agents are included in hair care as well, as they improve the hydration of the hair fiber and provide flexibility and shine to the hair.
Before Makeup Application: They are used before applying makeup, ensuring that the skin is optimally prepared and nourished.
| Name | INCI | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Lactic acid | Lactic acid | It is an alpha hydroxy acid used in skincare products and professional treatments to exfoliate the skin, lighten dark spots, and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. |
| Sodium lactate | Sodium lactate | Sodium lactate is the sodium salt of L(+)-lactic acid, obtained by neutralizing the acid from natural sources with a high purity sodium source. It has high water retention capacity for personal care use. |
| Potassium lactate | Potassium lactate | Potassium lactate is produced by neutralizing lactic acid with a high purity potassium source. It acts as an excellent humectant and moisturizer. |
| Zinc lactate | Zinc lactate | Zinc lactate dihydrate is produced by complete neutralization of lactic acid with a high purity zinc source and subsequent crystallization. Zinc ion has antimicrobial properties and lactate is a natural skin moisturizing factor. |
| Allantoin | Allantoin | Ingredient with strong moisturizing power and soothing properties. |
| Panthenol | Panthenol | Panthenol is the alcoholic analogue of pantothenic acid. It contains a -OH group in its structure, which attracts water molecules. This property increases water retention capacity, prevents water loss from hair and skin. |
| AquaJuve™ | Sodium hyaluronate | From ultra-low molecular weight (3000 Da) to high molecular weight, sodium hyaluronate is a mucopolysaccharide produced by natural fermentation and physical purification processes. It acts as a natural moisturizer for the skin, ensuring elasticity and moisture retention properties. |
| AquaJuve™ Ace | Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate | Derived from HA synthesized from sodium hyaluronate (HA) of natural moisturizing factor by acetylation reaction. It possesses both lipophilic and hydrophilic properties, promoting high affinity and adsorption properties for the skin. |
| AquaJuve™ Omni | Hyaluronic Acid, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil | Obtained by patented technology, this active is a lipodispersed hyaluronic acid, specially developed for color cosmetics and lip products. |
| Hydrolized Sodium Hyaluronate | Hydrolized Sodium Hyaluronate | Hydrolized sodium hyaluronate of low molecular weight. It penetrates the epidermis and hydrates the deeper layers. It also has anti-aging function. |
| Natiflex™ Hyamate | Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate | Cationic hyaluronic acid for skin and hair care. Cationized to improve its adhesion capacity; in addition to hyaluronic acid properties (moisture retention and viscoelasticity), it is a conditioning agent that, thanks to its cationic charge, does not rinse off easily. |
| Tri-Ceramide LipoVes® | Glycerin, Hexyldecanol, Aqua, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Phytosterols, Ceramide NP, Ceramide NS, Ceramide NG, Salicyloyl Phytosphingosine | Tri-Ceramide LipoVes® complex replenishes ceramide levels and improves water retention capacity of the epidermis, enhancing skin hydration and barrier function. |
| Tetra-ceramide LipoVes® | Glycerin, Aqua, Hexyldecanol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cholesterol, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Ceramide NP, Ceramide NS/NG, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP | Tetra-Ceramide LipoVes® complex replenishes ceramide levels and improves water retention capacity of the epidermis, enhancing skin hydration and barrier function. |
| Gluconolactone | Gluconolactone | Lactone compound formed by removing a water molecule from gluconic acid. It penetrates slowly into cells due to its high molecular weight, providing better moisturizing properties compared to hydroxy acids (AHA) and suitable for sensitive skin. |
| Glypure™ | Glycolic acid | Glypure™ is purified glycolic acid. Available in 70% aqueous solution or pure powder form. Glypure™ is an alpha hydroxy acid acting as an exfoliating agent and buffer. It is part of the alpha hydroxy family and has excellent ability to penetrate the outer epidermis layer of the skin. |
| Lactobionic acid | Lactobionic acid | Lactobionic acid is a third-generation alpha hydroxy acid that promotes cell renewal, does not irritate even sensitive skin, moisturizing and exfoliating properties for sensitive skin. |
| Sodium Gluconate | Sodium Gluconate | Sodium gluconate is the sodium salt of gluconic acid, produced by fermentation of glucose. Its outstanding property is excellent chelating power, especially in alkaline and concentrated alkaline solutions. |
| Arginine | Arginine | Arginine is an amino acid involved in protein synthesis, naturally present in our body. It has moisturizing action among other functions in dermal and capillary application. |
| Beauté by Roquette® DE 006 | Dextrin | Thanks to its proven properties in protecting the diversity of skin microbiota, Beauté by Roquette® DE 006 maintains the skin’s balance. By reducing inflammatory markers, this unique ingredient calms sensitive skin and scalp after external, mechanical or chemical aggression. |
| β-Glucan | Beta-Glucan | Derived from oats, it provides anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties to cosmetic products. Suitable for sensitive skin care, baby skin care and reactive skin care. Topical application of beta-glucan can revitalize the skin’s natural protection systems. |
| Aloe Vera | Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate | Aloe vera is a plant with multiple reparative benefits: wound healing, reduction of inflammatory processes, post-sun treatment, soothing, moisturizing and antimicrobial. |
| Beauté by Roquette® PO 500 | Isosorbide | This unique solution of extremely pure isosorbide approved by COSMOS acts as a strong humectant and moisturizer, providing lasting hydration for skin or hair. It has a natural ISO 16128 index of 1. |
| Erylite® | Erythritol | A polyol produced by natural fermentation, with excellent moisturizing properties. |
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