Hydration & moisturizing

Hydration is water in the stratum corneum, skin’s outermost layer. Moisturizing refers more broadly to helping skin hold water, feel soft or lose water more slowly. People often use “hydration” and “moisture” interchangeably in everyday skincare.

Humectants

Humectants bind water in the outer skin. Glycerin is a familiar example.

Emollients

Emollients soften and smooth the skin surface. Plant oils and butters can serve this role.

Occlusives

Occlusives slow water loss from the skin’s surface. In Deschampsia balms, local beeswax helps form a protective layer and gives the product its body. Plant oils chiefly soften the skin, while beeswax gives a balm more structure and a more occlusive character than an oil.

A moisturizer may combine these roles, and one ingredient can contribute to more than one.

Related entry: Skin barrier.