Moisturising

Ingredients with the function of moisturizing help maintain a comfortable moisture level in the skin and hair. They reduce the feeling of dryness, tightness and roughness, and also make the skin surface smoother and softer. In cosmetics, this effect is usually achieved through several mechanisms: some substances attract water and retain it in the upper layers of the skin, others soften the surface and reduce moisture loss, and others improve the sensory properties of the formula, making the cream, lotion or conditioner more comfortable to apply. In the European CosIng database, the moisturizing function refers to ingredients that help maintain and increase the moisture content of the skin or hair. (ec.europa.eu )

For the skin, such components are especially important in products for the face, body and hands.: they visually reduce dry areas, maintain a more well-groomed appearance, and can increase comfort after washing or exposure to wind and dry air. In hair care, they help the hair to dry out less, look smoother and more elastic, and also improve the feeling of softness. In dermatological and cosmetic practice, moisturizers often include humectants, emollients, and occlusive components; the FDA separately cites glycerol, urea, petrolatum, and dimethicone as typical examples. (fda.gov)

Among the most common ingredients in this group are glycerin and urea. Glycerin works as a classic water-attracting component, which is why it is often found in creams, serums, masks, and hair products. Urea also helps to retain moisture and additionally helps to make dry skin softer. It is important to understand that cosmetic products should be safe for normal use, and if they are prone to irritation, the full composition and individual skin reaction should be taken into account. (fda.gov)