Know what's in the bottle
Plain-language notes on what each ingredient does, who it suits and when to be careful.
Filter by what it does: Humectant
43 ingredients · Humectant
Clear all filtersA
- AlanineHumectantAn amino acid that is part of skin's natural moisturising factor and helps keep skin hydrated.
- ArginineHumectantAn amino acid that helps skin stay hydrated and is part of its natural moisturising factor.
- Arginine PCAHumectantA humectant related to the skin's natural moisturising factor.
- Aspartic AcidHumectantAn amino acid that helps skin hold moisture.
B
- Betula Alba JuiceBirch sapHumectantBirch tree sap, a light hydrating base rich in sugars and minerals.
- Biosaccharide Gum-1HumectantA sugar-based ingredient that draws in moisture and leaves a soft, smooth feel.
- Butylene GlycolHumectantA light humectant and solvent that helps other ingredients absorb and keeps skin hydrated.
G
- GlucoseHumectantA sugar that helps skin attract and hold water.
- Glycereth-26HumectantA glycerin-derived humectant that adds slip and hydration without stickiness.
- GlycerinGlycerineHumectantOne of the most effective and gentle moisturisers. It draws water into the skin.
- Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid CopolymerHumectantA polymer that holds moisture on the skin and leaves a smooth feel.
- Glyceryl GlucosideHumectantA glycerin and sugar compound that supports long-lasting hydration.
- GlycineHumectantAn amino acid that is part of skin's natural moisturising factor.
H
- HistidineHumectantAn amino acid that supports skin hydration.
- Hyaluronic AcidHumectantA moisture magnet that holds water in the skin for a plumper, hydrated look.
- Hydrolyzed CollagenHumectantA film-forming moisturiser. It does not replace the collagen in your skin, but it helps hold water at the surface.
- Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidLow-weight hyaluronic acidHumectantHyaluronic acid broken into smaller pieces, used to hydrate the upper layers of skin.
- Hydroxyethyl UreaHumectantA gentle humectant related to urea that draws water into the skin without stickiness.
I
M
P
- PCAPyrrolidone carboxylic acidHumectantPart of skin's natural moisturising factor. Helps skin hold water.
- PEG-8HumectantA humectant and solvent that helps skin hold moisture.
- PEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 GlycerinHumectantA humectant that gives a cushiony, hydrating feel.
- Pentylene GlycolHumectantA humectant and solvent that also helps preserve the formula.
- PhenylalanineHumectantAn amino acid that supports skin hydration.
- Polyglutamic AcidPGAHumectantA humectant that holds even more water than hyaluronic acid and forms a light, moisture-locking film.
- ProlineHumectantAn amino acid that supports skin hydration.
- PropanediolHumectantA plant-derived humectant and solvent that hydrates and improves texture.
- Propylene GlycolHumectantA humectant and solvent. Rarely, it can irritate very sensitive skin at high levels.
S
- SerineHumectantAn amino acid that is part of skin's natural moisturising factor.
- Sodium HyaluronateHyaluronic acid (salt form)HumectantA form of hyaluronic acid that holds many times its weight in water, plumping and hydrating skin.
- Sodium Hyaluronate CrosspolymerCross-linked hyaluronic acidHumectantA cross-linked hyaluronic acid that forms a hydrating film and releases moisture slowly.
- Sodium LactateHumectantA salt of lactic acid that hydrates skin.
- Sodium PCAHumectantPart of skin's natural moisturising factor. A strong humectant.
- SorbitolHumectantA sugar alcohol that attracts moisture to the skin.
- SucroseSugarHumectantPlain sugar, used as a humectant that helps skin hold on to water.