Moisturizing cosmetic ingredients

Solvent and preservative booster. Helps reduce the dose of classic preservatives in the formula and slightly retains skin moisture

Light synthetic emollient with a silky texture. Gives skin soft slip without a greasy film and does not clog pores

Amino sugar, a precursor of hyaluronic acid. Inhibits tyrosinase, so it lightens post-acne marks and melasma, especially when paired with niacinamide. Also supports skin HA synthesis

Non-essential amino acid. Part of the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), humectant

Gel from aloe leaves containing polysaccharides, vitamins, and amino acids. Moisturizes, soothes irritated skin, and accelerates healing of minor injuries

Dehydrated form of xylitol, humectant. Often part of the Aquaxyl complex (with xylitol and xylitylglucoside)

Branched polysaccharide from larch with prebiotic action. Feeds beneficial skin microbiota, forms a soft protective film and reinforces the barrier

Oil from argania fruit kernels. Contains oleic and linoleic acids, tocopherols, and sterols. Moisturizes, softens, and supports the lipid barrier

Amino acid; participates in collagen synthesis and acts as a pH regulator replacing synthetic alkalis. In skin formulas works as a mild humectant

NMF amino acid – a component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor. Pregnancy-safe

Collagen with enzymatically cleaved telopeptides at the molecule ends. Removing terminal regions lowers immunogenicity and eases protein handling in formulas

Hyaluronic acid with acetyl groups on the molecule. Acetylation adds lipophilicity, improves skin affinity and extends moisture retention versus the regular form

Polysaccharide from yeast, fungal, or oat cell walls. An immunomodulator and humectant that stimulates macrophages and accelerates wound healing

Amino-acid humectant from sugar beet. Holds water in the stratum corneum, softens dryness and tightness, compatible with any formula

Polysaccharide from sorbitol fermentation by Sphingomonas elodea. Forms a thin smooth film on skin, boosts surface smoothness, holds moisture and acts as a mild prebiotic

Multifunctional solvent and humectant. Improves cosmetic formula texture and helps active ingredients penetrate the skin

Occlusive emollient made of purified hydrocarbons. Reduces transepidermal water loss by nearly 99% and restores the skin barrier after damage

The number one solvent in cosmetic formulas. Provides hydration of the upper stratum corneum but does not penetrate into deeper layers

Polyhydroxy acid, a structural sibling of lactobionic acid. Used in very gentle acid formulations for sensitive skin and post-procedure recovery. A larger molecule than AHAs, it acts mostly at the surface without provoking stinging or redness. Moisturising effect from multiple hydroxyl groups

Sodium salt of hyaluronic acid. Structurally more stable than the acid itself and more common in formulations. Molecular weight determines behaviour: high-MW (> 1 MDa) holds water at the surface, low-MW (< 50 kDa) penetrates deeper. Cosmetics typically use a mix of MWs. A baseline moisturising active across all segments

Natural polysaccharide that binds water up to 1000 times its own weight. Topical application creates a surface humectant effect without dermal penetration

Fragmented hyaluronic acid with a mass <50 kDa. Penetrates the epidermis better than the high-molecular form, but at high concentrations may trigger a pro-inflammatory response

Phospholipid from soy or sunflower raw materials, hydrogenated for greater stability. Works as an emulsifier and integrates into the skin lipid barrier

Synthetic liquid hydrocarbon with controlled molecular weight. A clean alternative to mineral oil – free of aromatic-hydrocarbon traces

A urea derivative – a strong NMF-class humectant. Holds water in the stratum corneum better than glycerin without stickiness or irritation. Pregnancy-safe

Humectant, a urea relative. Attracts moisture into the stratum corneum and softens the skin without a drying effect

Raspberry fruit hydrosol – a mild water base with antioxidant properties due to polyphenols. Suitable for sensitive skin. Pregnancy-safe

Sea buckthorn berry water – a mild base with antioxidant properties. Contains vitamin C and carotenoids in trace amounts. Pregnancy-safe

Rose hydrosol – a by-product of distilling Damask rose petals. Light hydrating and soothing action, pleasant scent. Suitable for all skin types. Pregnancy-safe

Water-soluble form of jojoba waxes. Softens skin, aids formula spreadability, and partially restores the lipid film after cleansing

Low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid that penetrates deeper into the epidermis. Humectant with accumulated evidence on hydration

Low-molecular-weight protein hydrolysate from yeast – a source of amino acids and peptides. Supports hydration and epidermal regeneration. Pregnancy-safe

Collagen fragments broken down to peptides and amino acids. Moisturize the skin surface but do not integrate into the dermis's own collagen. Marketing often exaggerates the effect

Blend of hydrolyzed proteins (soy, wheat, corn). Humectant and film-former. Note: contains cereal proteins – potential allergen

Low-molecular-weight peptide hydrolysate of elastin (a dermal structural protein). Surface hydration and film-forming effect; does not rebuild the skin's own elastin. Pregnancy-safe

Energy-reserve polysaccharide – a mild humectant and stimulator of cellular respiration. Pregnancy-safe

Hydrogel polymer with embedded glycerin. Functionally and sensorially similar to glyceryl polyacrylate – it forms clear lightweight gels with a humectant effect. Pregnancy-safe and low-allergenicity

Natural osmolyte from the cyanobacterium Nostoc – a strong humectant that activates aquaporin-3 in the skin. Pregnancy-safe

Hydrogel polymer – cross-linked polyacrylic acid that holds glycerin. Forms clear, lightweight gels with a strong humectant effect. Common near the top of INCI lists in aqua-gels and masks. Low allergenicity and pregnancy-safe

A gel-forming polymer – holds water and creates a hydro-reservoir on the skin. Gives a cool, long-lasting moisturizing feel, common in serums and gels. Pregnancy-safe

The simplest trihydric alcohol and one of the most common humectants in cosmetics. Draws water from the environment and retains it in the stratum corneum

Simplest NMF amino acid – a humectant and pH buffer. Pregnancy-safe

Amino acid, part of NMF. Humectant, supports stratum corneum hydration

Simple sugar – a natural humectant. Holds water in the stratum corneum and gently softens the skin. Pregnancy-safe

Polyhydroxy acid (PHA) – a gentle AHA alternative. Its large molecular size slows penetration, reducing irritation. Also hydrates through hygroscopicity

Plant-derived ester emollient. Gives a velvety dry glide without a greasy afterfeel

Silicone polymer that forms a protective film on the skin to lock in moisture. Gives products a silky texture and does not penetrate the dermis

Glycol with two propylene units. Dissolves fragrances and actives, holds water in the stratum corneum and reduces formula viscosity

Light synthetic emollient with a dry finish. Dissolves pigments and oils, so it appears in makeup removers and primers

Oil from fig seeds rich in linoleic and oleic acids. Softens skin and supports the lipid barrier without a heavy film

Prebiotic polysaccharide from chicory root. Feeds beneficial skin microbiome bacteria and holds moisture

Fermented milk product – source of lactic acid, lactose, proteins, calcium. In cosmetics it works as a mild humectant with a gentle exfoliating effect from lactate. Avoid in milk-protein allergic patients. Pregnancy-safe

Spray-dried yogurt – a concentrated form with milk proteins, lactose, lactic acid, calcium. More stable than liquid yogurt and easier for emulsions. Avoid in milk-protein allergic patients. Pregnancy-safe

Polyglutamic acid from fermented natto soy. Forms a hydrating film and holds water more efficiently than hyaluronic acid

Blend of caprylic and capric acid glycerides from coconut oil. Light emollient, boosts penetration of oil-soluble actives

Multifunctional ingredient that boosts preservatives and works as a mild humectant and conditioner. Often paired with phenoxyethanol

Lightweight emollient derived from coconut or palm kernel oil. Non-comedogenic, absorbs quickly, and is used as a replacement for heavier oils

Thick oil from castor seeds with high ricinoleic acid content. Gives shine to lipsticks and balms, softens lips and holds pigment on the surface

Tropical oil high in lauric acid. Moisturizes well but is comedogenic and can clog pores when applied to the face

Finely ground oat flour with anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, and barrier properties. FDA-approved as an OTC skin protectant. Avenanthramides are the active anti-inflammatory compounds