Maintaining healthy, hydrated skin is essential for a glowing complexion and a confident, radiant appearance. However, with so many skincare products on the market, it can be challenging to navigate the world of ingredients and choose the best products for your skin. One crucial aspect to consider when selecting skincare products is the presence of humectants and occlusives.

Humectants are ingredients that attract moisture to the skin, while occlusives help to lock in moisture and protect the skin’s natural barrier. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore how to choose the right products for your skin type and concerns. By understanding the benefits of humectants and occlusives, you can create a customized skincare routine that supports optimal hydration and a healthy, radiant complexion.

What are humectants and occlusives?
Humectants and occlusives are two types of skincare ingredients that work together to improve skin hydration and moisture retention. Humectants are molecules that attract water molecules from the environment and help to bind them to the skin. Examples of humectants include glycerin, hyaluronic acid, hemp oil, and cupuacu butter. Occlusives, on the other hand, are ingredients that help to prevent water loss from the skin by creating a barrier that locks in moisture.
Examples of occlusives include Shea butter, beeswax, and cocoa butter. While both humectants and occlusives are important for maintaining healthy, hydrated skin, they work in different ways and provide different benefits.

Benefits of using humectants in skincare:

Humectants are essential ingredients (See our list of Toxic Ingredients) in skincare products that can help to improve hydration and moisture retention in the skin. By attracting water molecules from the environment and binding them to the skin, humectants can help to prevent dryness, flakiness, and other signs of dehydration. They can also help to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by plumping up the skin. Some of the most common humectants found in skincare products include glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and grape seed oil. These ingredients are particularly beneficial for those with dry or dehydrated skin, as well as those with aging skin.

Benefits of using occlusives in skincare:

Occlusives are another essential ingredient in skincare products that can help to lock in moisture and protect the skin’s natural barrier. By creating a barrier that prevents water from evaporating from the skin, occlusives can help to prevent trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). This can be particularly beneficial for those with dry or sensitive skin, as well as those with conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. Some of the most common occlusives found in skincare products include Cocoa Butter, beeswax, and shea butter, and safflower oil. These ingredients can help to soothe and hydrate the skin, while also providing a protective barrier against external irritants.

Humectants vs occlusives: How to choose the right skincare products:

Choosing the right skincare products that contain both humectants and occlusives can help to ensure optimal hydration and protection for your skin. When selecting products, it’s important to consider your skin type and concerns. For instance, if you have dry or dehydrated skin, look for products that contain high levels of humectants such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid, and hemp oil  as well as occlusives such as cocoa butter or shea butter. This combination of ingredients will help to attract and retain moisture in your skin, keeping it hydrated and healthy.

However, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, lighter products with lower levels of occlusives may be more suitable. In such cases, it's crucial to select products that have a lower concentration of occlusives to avoid clogging pores and causing breakouts. Moreover, it’s important to consider the order in which you apply your skincare products. Humectants should be applied first to attract moisture to the skin, followed by occlusives to lock in that moisture. Layering products that contain both humectants and occlusives can also help to maximize their benefits.

When selecting skincare products, it’s also important to pay attention to the concentration and type of humectants and occlusives used. Some ingredients may be more effective than others, and some may be more suitable for certain skin types. For instance, some people may find that glycerin is too sticky for their skin, while others may prefer it over other humectants. Similarly, some people may find that Shea butter is too heavy for their skin, while others may find it to be the perfect occlusive.

So, what does this all mean?
Incorporating humectants and occlusives into your skincare routine can help to improve hydration and moisture retention in the skin. By understanding the benefits of these ingredients and how to choose the right skincare products, you can create a customized routine that supports healthy, radiant skin. Remember to pay attention to other factors that can affect your skin's health, and consult with a skincare professional or dermatologist if you have any concerns. With the right skincare routine and lifestyle habits, you can achieve the healthy, glowing skin you deserve.

Brands such as ours, Clean Mundi, formulate products using curated ingredients that will improve skin appearance and overall glow.

Below is a list of top Humectants and Occlusives:

• Top 5 Humectant Oils

  • Castor oil

  • Argan oil

  • Avocado oil

  • Olive oil

  • Jojoba oil

• Top 4 Occlusive Butter/Oils

  • Shea butter

  • Cocoa butter

  • Mango butter

  • Beeswax (technically not a butter or oil, but often used as an occlusive in skincare formulations)