Here's everything you need to know about humectants

When it comes to skincare products, we often try to pick out ones that are famous or have been claimed to work well. But what you really need to do while opting for such products is to read the label to figure out what they contain. One ingredient that works rather well on our skin and hair is humectants.

"Humectants are water-loving ingredients that draw moisture into the stratum corneum, the top layer of skin, whether through the environment or through the deeper layer of skin (the dermis)," explains chemist Danusia Wnek. "In face and body skincare, humectants are typically used in leave-on hydrating products like serums, lotions, and creams."

They're often used in products because they can help lock in moisture and can prevent your skin from going dry and can protect your hair aginst frizziness. Skin moisturization is the main benefit of using humectants in skincare products," Wnek says. "Any product with humectant ingredients needs to be formulated with other moisturizing ingredients," she explains. "The most effective skincare products for hydration are those that are formulated with all three types of moisturizers: humectants, occlusives, and emollients."

The type of humectants you should look out for in your skincare and haircare products are - Glycerin/glycerol ( a clear liquid that can be derived from plants), Hyaluronic acid (also known as sodium hyaluronate and can help keep your skin tissues moisturised), Urea (produced synthetically due to its moisturising properties), Sorbitol (sugar that occurs naturally in plants and fruits) and Propylene glycol (colourless synthetic liquid also used in food and drinks).

"Since humectants are hydrophilic (attracted to water molecules), they can draw moisture from anywhere or anything, as long as it is nearby," Wnek explains. "So there is some debate about their use in dry environments, as they may absorb water from the skin since there is little in the air, which can increase skin dryness."