The Skin Formulary

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34 ingredients

Humectant

Explore all 34 ingredients in the Humectant category. Learn about their benefits and find products that contain them.

Glycerin

Glycerin (also known as glycerol) is a naturally occurring polyhydric alcohol found in the outermost layer of human skin. It works as a powerful humectant by drawing water from the environment and deeper skin layers into the stratum corneum, and also helps maintain healthy cell membranes and intracellular lipids. It has been used safely in cosmetics for over 50 years.

Pentylene Glycol

Pentylene glycol (INCI: Pentylene Glycol, CAS 5343-92-0) is a synthetic short-chain diol (1,2-dihydroxypentane) used in cosmetics as a multifunctional humectant and solvent. It draws moisture into the skin while also functioning as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that boosts the efficacy of other preservatives, allowing formulators to use lower concentrations of traditional preservatives. It additionally improves product texture and enhances the water-resistance of sunscreen formulations.

Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate

Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate (also called miniHA) is a low-molecular-weight form of sodium hyaluronate, produced by enzymatic or chemical hydrolysis to reduce the molecular weight to approximately 10 kDa — far smaller than the 500–2000 kDa of standard sodium hyaluronate. This reduced size allows it to penetrate more deeply into the upper layers of the epidermis compared to standard hyaluronic acid. It functions as a powerful humectant, drawing and retaining moisture in the skin, and also exhibits antioxidant properties and enhanced after-sun repair activity.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring polysaccharide found throughout the human body, particularly in skin, joints, and connective tissue. It acts as a powerful water-binding agent, capable of holding up to 1000 times its own weight in water. High-molecular-weight forms sit on the skin surface to hydrate and support barrier function, while lower-molecular-weight variants penetrate slightly deeper into the epidermis.

Sodium Lactate

Sodium lactate is the sodium salt of lactic acid, a naturally occurring component of the skin's Natural Moisturising Factor (NMF). It is a powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin — reported to improve skin moisture content by up to 84%, making it a far stronger humectant than glycerin and capable of storing over twice as much water. It also functions as a pH buffer and has mild keratolytic properties.

Betaine

Betaine (trimethylglycine) is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative typically extracted from sugar beet (Beta vulgaris). It functions as an osmolyte, meaning it helps regulate cell water balance by attracting and retaining moisture without disrupting cellular function. In cosmetic formulations it acts as a humectant and skin conditioning agent, and when added to cleansing products it reduces irritation potential and improves mildness.

Polyglycerin-3

Polyglycerin-3 is a moisturising ingredient made up of three glycerin molecules linked together (also known as triglycerol). Its larger molecular structure compared to standard glycerin means it penetrates the skin more slowly, delivering a gentler, longer-lasting humectant effect. It draws water into the stratum corneum, helps maintain the skin barrier, and is widely used in serums, essences, toners, and masks.

Purple Rice Hull Extract

Oryza sativa hull extract is derived from the hulls (outer shells) of rice grains. It functions primarily as a moisturising and humectant ingredient, helping to attract and retain water in the skin. Rice hull extracts are rich in ferulic acid, phytic acid, and other antioxidant compounds that provide additional skin-protective benefits.

Polyglutamic Acid

Polyglutamic acid (PGA) is a naturally derived, high-molecular-weight amino acid polymer produced through bacterial fermentation of Bacillus subtilis. It functions as a powerful humectant and film-forming agent, capable of holding up to 5,000 times its weight in water — significantly more than hyaluronic acid. Its large molecular size means it primarily acts on the skin surface, forming a moisture-retaining film that reduces transepidermal water loss and plumps the appearance of fine lines.

Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate

Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate (also called miniHA) is a low-molecular-weight form of sodium hyaluronate, produced by enzymatic or chemical hydrolysis to reduce the molecular weight to approximately 10 kDa — far smaller than the 500–2000 kDa of standard sodium hyaluronate. This reduced size allows it to penetrate more deeply into the upper layers of the epidermis compared to standard hyaluronic acid. It functions as a powerful humectant, drawing and retaining moisture in the skin, and also exhibits antioxidant properties and enhanced after-sun repair activity.

Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer

Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer is a cross-linked form of hyaluronic acid in which standard HA molecules are chemically bonded to create a mesh-like structure. This cross-linking gives it a remarkable water-binding capacity approximately five times greater than standard hyaluronic acid, forming a water-filled gel that delivers sustained, long-term hydration and a smooth film on the skin surface.

Xylitylglucoside

Xylitylglucoside is a sugar-derived moisturising agent made from glucose and xylitol. It is a key component of the Aquaxyl complex and works by boosting the skin's natural moisturising factors (NMFs) such as hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate, while also strengthening the moisture barrier through enhanced lipid and protein synthesis.

Anhydroxylitol

Anhydroxylitol (1,4-anhydro-D-xylitol) is a sugar-derived humectant and a component of the Aquaxyl moisturising complex. It works alongside xylitylglucoside and xylitol to draw moisture into the skin and help retain it in the stratum corneum, supporting the skin's natural hydration mechanisms.

Xylitol

Xylitol is a naturally occurring five-carbon sugar alcohol (polyol) found in birch bark, corn cobs, and various fruits. In skincare, it functions as a humectant that attracts and binds water to the skin. It is a component of the Aquaxyl moisturising complex and also has mild antimicrobial properties that may help maintain the skin's healthy microbiome.

Sea Water

Sea water (INCI: Maris Aqua) is water obtained from the sea or from inland bodies of salt water. It is used in cosmetics as a humectant and solvent, providing a natural source of minerals and trace elements including magnesium, calcium, potassium, zinc, and selenium. These minerals can help hydrate the skin, support the skin barrier, and contribute to a refreshing, toning effect. Deep sea water from specific oceanic sources is particularly prized for its mineral density.

Glycogen

Glycogen is a naturally occurring polysaccharide that serves as the primary energy storage molecule in human cells, including skin cells. In skincare, it functions as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent that helps attract and retain moisture. It supports cellular energy metabolism in the skin and may contribute to a healthier, more radiant complexion.

Glucose

Glucose is a simple sugar (monosaccharide) that functions as a humectant in cosmetic formulations. When applied topically, it draws water to the skin surface and helps maintain hydration levels. It is also used as a precursor for other cosmetic ingredients such as glucoside-based surfactants and as a fermentation substrate.

Biosaccharide Gum-1

Biosaccharide gum-1 is a fermentation-derived polysaccharide gum composed of fucose-galactose-galacturonic acid trisaccharide units. It provides both immediate and sustained moisturising effects, with studies showing delayed hydration that strengthens over time. It also has clinically demonstrated soothing properties, reducing skin sensitivity to irritants by up to 47%.

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid

Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is a low molecular weight form of hyaluronic acid that has been broken down through acid, enzyme, or other hydrolysis methods into smaller fragments. Because of its reduced molecular size (typically 10–300 kDa compared to 1,000+ kDa for standard HA), it penetrates the skin more effectively, delivering deep and long-lasting hydration to lower layers of the epidermis rather than sitting on the surface.

PCA

PCA (pyrrolidone carboxylic acid), also known as pidolic acid or L-pyroglutamic acid, is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative found in human skin as a key component of the Natural Moisturising Factor (NMF). It accounts for approximately 12% of NMF composition, making it the second largest NMF component after amino acids. It works as a humectant by attracting and binding water to the skin, helping to maintain optimal hydration levels.

Sodium PCA

Sodium PCA (sodium pyrrolidone carboxylic acid) is the sodium salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, a component of the skin's natural moisturising factor (NMF). It is a powerful humectant that attracts and retains water in the stratum corneum, making it one of the most effective natural hydrating ingredients available.

Fructose

Fructose is a naturally occurring monosaccharide (fruit sugar) widely found in fruits and honey. In skincare, it functions as a humectant by binding water to the skin surface, helping to maintain hydration levels. It is part of the skin's natural moisturising factor (NMF) and contributes to stratum corneum hydration.

Sucrose

Sucrose is a naturally occurring disaccharide sugar composed of glucose and fructose, typically derived from sugarcane or sugar beet. In skincare, it functions as a humectant, skin conditioner, and soothing agent. It is also widely used as a physical exfoliant in sugar scrub formulations, where its granular texture helps remove dead skin cells.

Trehalose

Trehalose is a naturally occurring disaccharide sugar composed of two glucose molecules, found in plants, fungi, and insects. It functions as a potent humectant in skincare, binding water to the skin to maintain hydration. Trehalose is particularly valued for its ability to protect cell membranes and proteins from dehydration stress, making it an effective moisture-retaining ingredient.

Maltose

Maltose is a disaccharide sugar composed of two glucose units, used in cosmetics as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent. It works by attracting and binding water to the skin surface, helping to maintain hydration levels. It also functions as a masking agent in formulations.

Calcium Gluconate

Calcium gluconate is the calcium salt of gluconic acid, used in cosmetics as a humectant, skin-conditioning agent, and oral care ingredient. It helps draw moisture into the skin and provides calcium ions that may support skin barrier function and cellular signalling.

Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate

Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate is a mixture of sugar alcohols derived from the hydrolysis and subsequent hydrogenation of maize (corn) starch. It functions as a humectant, drawing and retaining moisture in the skin. It is widely used in personal care products including skincare, oral care, and cleansing formulations.

Larch Wood Extract

Larix europaea wood extract is derived from the wood of the European larch tree (Larix europaea, Pinaceae family). It is rich in arabinogalactans, a type of polysaccharide that functions as an effective humectant and skin-conditioning agent. It helps attract and retain moisture in the skin.

Saccharide Isomerate

Saccharide isomerate is a naturally derived carbohydrate complex that mimics the moisture-binding saccharides naturally present in the stratum corneum. It binds to the skin more strongly and for longer than conventional humectants like glycerin, providing extended hydration. It is marketed under the trade name Pentavitin.

Pseudoalteromonas Exopolysaccharides

Pseudoalteromonas exopolysaccharides are polysaccharides produced through fermentation of Pseudoalteromonas, a marine bacterial strain. They contain glucuronic acid, the same monosaccharide found in hyaluronic acid, providing similar moisture-binding and skin conditioning properties. Positioned as a biotechnological marine alternative to hyaluronic acid.

Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract

Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract is a polysaccharide-rich extract derived from the fruiting body (sporocarp) of the silver ear mushroom, also known as snow fungus. The polysaccharide contains sugar units including mannose, xylose, and glucuronic acid. It is prized for its exceptional water-retention properties, with studies showing slightly greater water-holding capacity than hyaluronic acid itself.

Sodium Caproyl Prolinate

Sodium caproyl prolinate is an amino acid-derived humectant made from L-proline (a naturally occurring amino acid) and a short-chain fatty acid (capric/decanoic acid). It works by binding water molecules to the skin, improving moisture retention, and additionally functions as a penetration enhancer — helping other active ingredients such as niacinamide, zinc PCA, and amino acids absorb more effectively. It also acts as a mild antimicrobial booster, supporting preservative systems in formulations.

Glyceryl Glucoside

Glyceryl glucoside is a naturally occurring compound found in Japanese rice wine (sake) and fermented foods, formed by linking glycerol to glucose. It acts as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent that attracts and binds water in the skin while stimulating the production of aquaporins — protein channels that regulate water transport into and out of cells — to significantly improve deep hydration and barrier function.

Polyglyceryl-6

Polyglyceryl-6 (INCI: Polyglycerin-6) is a synthetic polymer composed of six linked glycerol units, also known as hexaglycerin. It functions primarily as a humectant, attracting and retaining water at the skin's surface to improve hydration and create a plumper appearance. It is also used as an emulsifier backbone for polyglyceryl-6 fatty acid esters, and is valued for its mild, PEG-free, vegetable-derived profile.