Emollient

Ingredients with the function of an emollient make the skin and hair smoother, softer and more comfortable to the touch. They fill in surface irregularities, reduce the feeling of dryness and tightness, and help reduce roughness after washing, shaving, or exposure to wind and cold. In hair formulas, such components smooth the cuticle, improve gliding and reduce tangling, so the strands look more shiny and manageable. In the official CosIng database, the emollient function is associated specifically with softening and improving the condition of the skin or hair surface, and the FDA specifically notes that cosmetics can be designed to moisturize and improve the appearance of the skin. (ireadlabelsforyou.com)

In addition to skin care, such substances noticeably affect the texture of the product: they make creams, balms and serums more silky, facilitate distribution, reduce "inhibition" during application and help create a more even, comfortable finish. They often work as part of a system that retains moisture in the skin not directly, but by reducing its loss and improving barrier comfort. Therefore, emollient components are especially often found in creams for dry skin, hand, lip, body products, as well as in conditioners and indelible hair care. (fda.gov)

Typical examples are Dimethicone and caprylic—Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. Dimethicone forms a very smooth coating, making the skin appear smoother and the hair softer and shinier; it is listed in the CosIng database as skin conditioning emollient.Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is valued for its light, not too greasy texture and good distribution: this component is also registered as emollient and is often used in creams, oils and cleansing balms. (ireadlabelsforyou.com)