However, moisturizers typically contain ingredients that fall into the following categories:
* Humectants: These attract and retain moisture from the air, such as:
* Glycerin
* Hyaluronic acid
* Sorbitol
* Emollients: These soften and smooth the skin by filling in the gaps between skin cells, such as:
* Oils (e.g., mineral oil, olive oil, coconut oil)
* Waxes (e.g., beeswax, lanolin)
* Fatty acids (e.g., stearic acid, palmitic acid)
* Occlusives: These create a barrier on the skin to prevent moisture loss, such as:
* Petroleum jelly
* Dimethicone
* Lanolin
* Other ingredients: These may include preservatives, fragrances, antioxidants, and other active ingredients.
Therefore, instead of a single chemical formula, you can think of moisturizers as a combination of different ingredients in varying proportions depending on the desired properties and intended use.
