Water-Binding Agent / Moisture Magnet
An ingredient that attracts and binds water molecules to itself — pulling moisture from the environment (if humidity >70%) or from deeper skin layers into the stratum corneum. Humectants are one of three functional moisturiser categories alongside emollients (soften and smooth) and occlusives (seal in moisture). Key humectants in skincare: hyaluronic acid, glycerine, sodium PCA, sorbitol, panthenol, and lactic acid (dual function). Applying humectants to damp skin maximises their water-attracting capacity.
In very dry environments (<40% humidity), humectants applied to dry skin can draw moisture up from deeper skin layers, paradoxically worsening surface dryness. In these conditions, layer a humectant under an occlusive or emollient-rich moisturiser to lock in the attracted moisture.
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