What’s the Difference between Moisturizer and Emollient?
That is the question! The terms “Moisturizer” and “Emollient” are often used interchangeably. However, the term “emollient” more often describes a single ingredient, whereas “moisturizer” describes a finished product. Emollients are substances which soften and soothe the skin, as well as help with dryness, and are part of the composition of moisturizers. Emollients provide occlusion to the skin (a layer of oil to slow water loss and increase moisture content) and serve as a humectant (preserve or increase water content).
Some examples of emollients include Cetearyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Myristate, Triglyceride, Myristic Acid, Palmitic Acid, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Glyceryl Linoleate, Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone, Decyl Oleate, and Stearic Acid. Additionally, some examples of “natural” emollients include Lanolin, Plant Oils, Shea Butter, and Cocoa Butter.
BEAUTY BEAT TIP: The best time to apply a moisturizer, and retain the benefits of emollients, is when the skin is damp. So is handy to keep the moisturizer in the bathroom and, after washing the face or showering, lightly pat the skin dry with a towel and mositurize away!
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