Humectants, Emollients, and Occlusives: What’s Actually Hydrating Your Skin?

If you've ever picked up a moisturizer labeled "hydrating" and wondered what that actually means chemically, you're asking the right question. Almost every moisturizer on the market relies on a combination of three ingredient categories: humectants, emollients, and occlusives. Each does something distinctly different, and understanding the difference can help you choose products with intention [...]