K-Beauty Glossary
What is Emollient?
Softening and smoothing lipid
Emollients fill the gaps between skin cells with lipids, creating a smoother surface and softer feel. They're the middle layer of a moisturizing formulation — between humectants (which bind water) and occlusives (which seal it in). Examples: squalane, jojoba oil, shea butter, fatty alcohols (cetyl, stearyl), esters. Emollients don't hydrate directly; they condition and soften.