Skin conditioning - emollient

Ingredients with this function help to make the skin softer, smoother and more comfortable to the touch. They form a thin softening layer on the surface, which reduces the feeling of dryness, tightness and peeling, as well as visually improves the relief of the skin. In the European CosIng database, emollients are substances that are used to soften and maintain good skin condition, and specialized dermatological sources note that such components are especially important in products for dry and dehydrated skin. (ec.europa.eu )

In cosmetics formulas, they work not only on the skin, but also on the product itself: they make creams and lotions more gliding, more comfortable to apply, reduce the "creaky" or sticky feeling, and help distribute the product evenly. In hair care, similar components can smooth the cuticle and give a softer, well-groomed feel along the length. Typical examples are squalane and butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter. Squalane is valued for its light, silky texture and ability to maintain the skin barrier, while shea butter is valued for its denser nutrition and protection from drying out. (paulaschoice.com)

It is important to understand that such substances primarily improve the comfort and appearance of the skin, and do not replace the treatment of dermatological diseases. Their effect depends on the type of base and concentration: light emollients are suitable for fluids and serums, more saturated ones are suitable for creams, balms and products for areas with pronounced dryness. That is why this function is often found in daily care, where a balance is needed between a pleasant texture, protection of the skin surface and a feeling of softness after application. (paulaschoice.com)