Moisturizer
A topical product that hydrates skin or reduces water loss, typically through humectants, emollients, occlusive ingredients, or combinations of them.
Humectant: A substance that attracts and binds water, helping increase moisture in skin or other materials. Humectants such as glycerin draw water into the outer skin layer.
Skin barrier: The skin’s protective interface that limits water loss and helps keep irritants and microbes out. Moisturizers support this barrier’s water-retaining and protective functions.
Atopic dermatitis: A chronic inflammatory skin disease marked by itchy, dry, and relapsing eczema. Regular moisturization helps manage dryness and support the impaired skin barrier.
Topical corticosteroid: A skin-applied anti-inflammatory medicine that reduces inflammation and immune activity. It treats inflammatory flares, while moisturizer mainly supports hydration and barrier function.
Emollient: A substance that softens and smooths skin by filling spaces between surface cells. Emollients improve roughness and flexibility without relying chiefly on water attraction.
Glycerol: A small, water-soluble molecule used in foods, medicines, and cosmetics. Glycerol, commonly called glycerin in products, is a widely used humectant.
Xerosis: Abnormally dry skin, often characterized by scaling, roughness, or itching. Moisturizers are a standard approach to relieving uncomplicated skin dryness.
Cleansing agent: A substance that removes dirt, oil, or other material from a surface. Cleansers remove material from skin; moisturizers are generally left on to condition it.
Occlusive: A substance that forms a barrier on the skin surface and reduces water loss. Occlusives such as petrolatum slow evaporation from the outer skin.
Petrolatum: A semisolid mixture of hydrocarbons used as a skin protectant and ointment base. Petrolatum is a highly effective occlusive ingredient in many ointments.