K-Beauty Glossary
What is Humectant?
Ingredient that binds water
Humectants are ingredients that pull water from the environment (or from deeper skin layers) and bind it to the stratum corneum. The skincare classics: glycerin, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, betaine, propylene glycol, urea. Best used on damp skin to maximize water capture. In dry environments (winter indoor heating, airplanes), humectants need to be sealed in with an occlusive — otherwise they can pull water OUT of skin into the dry air.