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A humectant moisturizer is one that attracts water molecules and locks in the moisture.

It keeps your skin hydrated all day long. Humectants are water-loving ingredients and are perfect for winter or dry environments.

In this post, we’re going to talk about the best humectant moisturizers for your skin.

We will share our top choices with you, and for each one, we will give you a rundown of its best features, who it is most suited for, and highlight the things to keep in mind.

We will also answer the common questions that arise with humectant moisturizers.

First, let’s cover the most important things to consider before buying a humectant moisturizer to assist with your decision process.

Quick summary

Before you buy: 5 Things to consider when purchasing a humectant moisturizer

Humectant moisturizers are deeply moisturizing creams that add hydration to your skin.

They’re particularly useful for folks with dry and normal skin looking to add moisture to the skin. Especially during the winter months, when the skin feels dry and tight, a humectant moisturizer can draw in moisture.

Before you go and buy one, here are a few things to be aware of.

1. Skin type

Humectant moisturizers are water-loving, and hence they are not ideal for people with oily or combination skin. They tend to give you a wet glow, and that’s not needed with oily skin.

These tend to keep the skin moist, and so they are great for those with dry skin, eczemas, and dermatoses where the skin is peeling or dry.

There are humectant moisturizers formulated for oily and combination skin too. Some formulas have a matte effect. However, humectants are best for dry skin.

2. Ingredients

The one thing that is common to humectant moisturizers is its hydrophilic, water-loving ingredients. These tend to attract water like seaweed, hyaluronic acid, honey, and egg, among many others.

You need to specifically read the ingredients to know if a moisturizer is a humectant. Most won’t advertise their product as humectant moisturizers. They’d more often say they are hydrating and moisturizing.

Often many moisturizers are not just humectants but emollient or occlusive as well. It’s up to you to do the research.

3. Allergies

Humectant moisturizers tend to have organic ingredients that can be allergic to some. Honey, Queen of the night cactus, peanut oil, honey, and eggs can cause allergic reactions to some, especially those with sensitive skin.

Do you have allergies? This is something to consider before you purchase a humectant moisturizer. If you find one you like, go through the ingredients list and see if you’re allergic to anything.

Alternatively, do a patch test with a sample and see if it agrees with you.

4. Hours of hydration

Not all humectant moisturizers provide all-day hydration. Some need to be replenished every few hours to keep the skin moisturized. As you choose a humectant moisturizer, you need to review how long it will last before a reapplication.

Many humectant moisturizers draw water from the atmosphere, and so the humidity also matters. If you live in an area where there is high humidity, you will find that your humectant moisturizer works very well.

People in dry areas complain that their moisturizer is doing nothing for them. That’s because there’s little moisture to draw into the skin.

5. Budget

Since organic ingredients that act as humectants are mostly natural and difficult to source, they tend to be priced higher than regular moisturizers. Consider your budget before you pick one of these.

The 5 best humectant moisturizers

Unique features:

• Organic formula without chemicals
• Cream is blended by hand
• Eye-catching matte silver bottle which doubles up as a hygienic airless pump bottle

The best humectant moisturizer for:

All skin types, particularly those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. Men and women who love clean skincare.

Notable ingredients:

Jojoba, clary sage, calendula.

Overview:

If you are looking for an organic handmade moisturizer filled with natural humectant ingredients, then the ZELEN Life’s Moisturizer will not leave you disappointed. Its formulation consists of jojoba oil, clary sage, and calendula.

Jojoba oil is well known for its moisturizing capabilities. Not only does it add hydration to the skin, but also it assists in retaining that hydration for a long time. This is because it has similar properties to the skin’s natural oil (sebum). Thus, it absorbs easier into the deeper layers of the skin. It creates a barrier, preventing the overproduction of sebum, locking in the hydration. Studies show that formulations with jojoba oil had a greater increase in skin hydration.[1]

In additon to its moisturizing capabilities, jojoba oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which accelerate wound healing and reduce irritations and breakouts.

Calendula also promotes hydration while nourishing and softening the skin. Being rich in antioxidants, it also promotes collagen restoration which reduces the effects of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. Various experiments have shown that calendula, can also reduce inflammation.[2] Clary sage is also rich in antioxidants and antiaging properties. It also assists in balancing sebum while calming the skin due to its anti-inflammatory elements making it great in reducing redness.

Bonus:

ZELEN Life’s formulation is completely cruelty-free and vegan without any potentially harmful chemicals, such as parabens or sulfates, making it suitable for all skin types (including sensitive skin.)

Now let’s discuss this product’s texture:

Despite being an oil-based formula, ZELEN Life has still managed to make the texture very lightweight and non-greasy. Using the luxurious airless pump bottle, just a dime-sized amount is enough to get all of its benefits. However, if you are looking for a water-based gel texture, then the Boscia Cactus Water (further down the list) might be more suitable for you. For clean skincare lovers, it is also natural and combines both cactus and aloe water as a base for its formulation.

As you can see from its main ingredients, this moisturizer is a great all-rounder when it comes to keeping your skin hydrated, minimizing acne and aging effects. If you are looking particularly for a moisturizer that targets anti-aging more aggressively, then you should consider Too Cool for School All-in-One Egg Mellow Cream. It includes ceramides, collagen fibers, and egg extracts for a more advanced anti-aging action. However, do note that it is not vegan or a cruelty-free brand, if you are sensitive to these matters.

If you are looking for a moisturizer to combat acne more aggressively, then Mario Badescu Honey Moisturizer might be the one for you. It is a little bit heavier in texture and provides stronger acne action due to the inclusion of AHA. However, it is important to note that its formula contains parabens, which might irritate sensitive skin.

Since the ZELEN Life Moisturizer contains only organic ingredients, it does come with a higher pricer tag. However, I believe the price is worth it when you consider all of the qualities you are getting from such a pure formula.

The good:

Things to think about:

Bottom line:

This is an excellent humectant moisturizer for those sensitive to chemicals or prone to blemishes. If you are looking for an organic humectant moisturizer packed full of vitamins and antioxidants, then look no further!

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Unique features:

• Enriched with hyaluronic acid
• Retains moisture in the skin

The best humectant moisturizer for:

Dry, sensitive skin.

Notable ingredients:

Reotier water, hyaluronic acid, sunflower

Overview:

L’Occitane’s Ultra Thirst-Quenching Cream contains reotier water, hyaluronic acid, and sunflower in order to provide its deep hydration. It is a cream that is best suited for dry skin types, as it is a little bit heavier (not by much) than other moisturizers on our list.

Reotier water is known for its richness in calcium. Due to that, it reinforces the skin’s barrier assisting in maintaining its natural moisture. Thus, great humectant capabilities! Hyaluronic acid also promotes hydration while reducing any signs of aging, such as wrinkles. As the human body naturally produces hyaluronic acid (50% of body content), it plays an essential role in skin hydration.

As the skin ages, the skin’s amount of hyaluronic acid decreases. Progressive reduction of the size of the hyaluronic acid polymers in the skin also causes aging.[3] Using a moisturizer that includes hyaluronic acid can assist in replenishing the lost amount, which improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.[4]

Sunflower is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, which can help to protect the skin from free radicals and help reduce premature aging. It also has great anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which can minimize the effects of skin conditions, such as acne and eczema.

Its scent is balanced, fresh, and not very overpowering. However, you can distinguish that it is derived from a synthetic fragrance, so be aware of that. If you are looking for a moisturizer that has a natural scent then ZELEN Life’s Moisturizer might be more suitable for you.

As for the packaging it comes in a 1.7 fl oz / 50 ml jar. As it comes in a jar, it is pretty easy to over-apply. If you do, the cream will likely feel a little sticky on the skin and also likely to irritate (if you have very oily skin) due to its intense hydration. If your skin is more on the oily side, then the Boscia Cactus Water or ZELEN Life’s Moisturizer can provide a better hydration balance.

The cream is expensive despite the basic packaging. However, I believe the price is justified due to its deep hydration properties.

The good:

Things to think about:

Bottom line:

This is a water-based humectant moisturizer that is ideal for dry, sensitive skin. The inclusion of hyaluronic acid makes it a suitable anti-aging option.

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Unique features:

• Fast-absorbing, lightweight formula
• Free of harmful chemicals
• Can be used as a primer for those who wear makeup

The best humectant moisturizer for:

Dry and combination skin.

Notable ingredients:

Cactus flower extract, coccinia indica fruit extract, basil leaf extract, Turmeric root extract

Overview:

Boscia Cactus Moisturizer is a water-based gel that is specifically designed for combination and oily skin types. Its main ingredients consist of cactus, coccinia indica fruit, basil leaf, and turmeric root extracts.

By looking at the ingredients one immediately can understand that it is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

Cactus extract reduces the buildup of excess oil due to it being packed with linoleic acid. Queen of the night cactus is a plant that retains its hydration even in the most extreme desert climates. This makes it an excellent skincare ingredient as it stores and retains moisture in the skin. It is also rich in vitamins and an anti-inflammatory. So it can help to revitalize the skin and reduce irritations and breakouts.

Coccinia Indica fruit conditions the skin leaving it soft and calm. It creates a protective barrier against imbalances and environmental stressors. Basil leaf enhances moisturization and comes with anti-aging properties. Turmeric extract promotes wound healing, due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory abilities.

As an added bonus this moisturizer also contains Aloe vera. Aloe vera contains improved skin hydration due to the mucopolysaccharides that bind hydration to the skin.[5]

All the above ingredients blend together to create a lightweight gel texture that glides easily on the skin. While lightweight, I did find that if used in large amounts you might find it a bit sticky. To avoid that, use the little spatula that comes in the box in order to apply the correct amount.

However, if you are looking for a cream rather than a gel, then ZELEN Life’s Moisturizer is a great alternative. It is also very lightweight and packed with natural ingredients that will not irritate and purge oily skin types.

If you are looking for a cream that has more intense hydration then look at L’Occitane Moisturizing Ultra Thirst-Quenching Cream. Bear in mind though, that it has a slightly heavier texture if you have extremely oily skin.

In terms of packaging, I really love its minimalistic approach. It’s green which gives the ”all-natural” and cruelty-free feel.

The good:

Things to think about:

Bottom line:

This is a good chemical-free moisturizer for dry and combination skin.

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Unique features:

• Contains honey, which gives you a natural glow
• Has a lovely scent
• Makes the skin feel super soft

The best humectant moisturizer for:

Blemish-prone skin.

Notable ingredients:

Peanut Oil, Orange, Honey Extract

Overview:

Mario Badescu’s Honey Moisturizer is a cream moisturizer that targets people with blemish-prone skin and is formulated with natural ingredients such as peanut oil, orange, and honey extract. It smoothes, hydrates, and nourishes the skin.

Peanut oil is known for its hydration and anti-inflammatory capabilities. It locks the moisture inside by strengthening the skin’s barrier.

Honey has calming, emollient, and humectant properties. This helps to keep the skin have a youthful appearance by preventing wrinkles, regulating pH, and preventing pathogen infections.[6] This assists with acne or other secondary bacterial infection prevention.

The orange extract can strengthen the antioxidant skin defenses, protecting skin from photoaging, while improving the skin appearance and pigmentation.[7]

The inclusion of AHA (alpha hydroxy acid), makes this moisturizer specifically effective for acne-prone skins. Alpha hydroxy acids exfoliate the skin to unclog blocked pores, remove dead skin cells and get rid of accumulated bacteria and debris.

The ingredients come together in creating a cream that is balanced in texture and sweet in scent. I found it heavier than the other moisturizers on our list, however, it was still able to absorb decently. The scent is noticeable but not overpowered with floral and honey notes. As for the packaging, I believe it is very basic for the price.

While it gives solid hydration, you will find other products on this list that are superior, such as L’Occitane’s Moisturizers. It contains hyaluronic acid which locks in moisture and provides intense hydration. However, L’Occitane’s moisturizer might not be as effective with acne.

Another thing to keep in mind regarding Mario Badescu’s Honey Moisturizer is that it contains parabens. If you are looking for more “natural” options then Boscia’s Cactus Water or ZELEN Life’s Moisturizer are more appropriate, as they use only organic ingredients, and are chemical-free and vegan.

The good:

Things to think about:

Bottom line:

This is a good humectant moisturizer for dry, blemish-prone skin.

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Unique features:

• Multifunction cream
• Increases skin elasticity

The best humectant moisturizer for:

Those with aging skin.

Notable ingredients:

Egg Yolk Extract, Egg White Extract, Collagen fibers, Inca omega, Niacinamide

Overview:

Egg Mellow Cream is specifically formulated to fight the effects of aging. It can be used as a serum, primer, neck or eye cream, toner, and sleeping mask in order to hydrate, soften and plump the skin. Its main ingredients are egg extracts, Inca Omega, and Collagen Fibers.

Egg contains high amounts of protein. This helps in tissue repairing, lifting, and tightening up the skin, reducing this way signs of fine lines and wrinkles. It nourishes the skin while bringing back its elasticity. According to various studies, egg extracts also offer moisture protection.[8]

Collagen is a protein that can be found in the human body. As we grow older, our body produces less collagen, resulting in our skin to age. Egg Mellow Cream contains Hydrolyzed collagen (collagen fibers) which is basically collagen broken down into smaller parts. It is clinically found that it helps to moisturize the skin while also enhancing its elasticity and collagen density.

Inca Omega is rich in Omega 3 which helps to repair the skin’s cell barrier. It is rich in antioxidants, and moisturizing properties assisting hydration and reducing signs of aging.

The cream has a non-greasy texture but I found that some other creams on our list to be more lightweight, such as the Boscia Cactus Water and the ZELEN Life’s Moisturizer.

Also, while its anti-aging properties are great for the price, it might not be suitable for everyone. And, while the bottle’s pump is practical and convenient, its bottle design doesn’t reflect its price tag. If you would like a cheaper alternative that also packs a lot of antiaging properties then ZELEN Life’s Moisturizer is the next best option, and is packaged in a more premium-looking bottle.

The good:

Things to think about:

Bottom line:

This is a great multi-purpose humectant moisturizer for aging skin.

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How we chose these products

We chose all the products based on their ability to hydrate the skin. As you can see, all the products on our list have water-loving ingredients that deeply hydrate the skin. Most of them are formulas that are aimed at retaining moisture in the stratum corneum.

They are mostly formulated with organic ingredients that are safe for sensitive skin. However, you would have to see if they’re suitable for you. These humectant moisturizers have few side effects and contain a range of humectants from aloe vera, cactus, jojoba oil, honey and eggs.

These moisturizers also serve additional purposes like brightening the skin, improving the skin elasticity, and lightening skin blemishes. The price range varies so that every budget is covered, and there’s something for everyone on the list.

Frequently asked questions

What is a humectant?

A humectant is a molecule that retains or preserves moisture.

What are some examples of humectant ingredients?

Some examples of humectant ingredients in skincare formulations include propylene glycol, hexylene glycol, butylene glycol, aloe vera gel, alpha-hydroxy acids such as lactic acid, egg yolk, and egg white, glyceryl triacetate, honey, molasses, urea, castor oil, and sugar alcohols.

How do humectants work in the skin?

Humectants work through various mechanisms. Some participate in hydrogen bonding and attract water. They do this by attracting moisture from the outer layer of the skin or areas with high humidity from the atmosphere.

The moisture is trapped against the epidermis or the shaft of the hair. Some draw water from the inner layers of the dermis.

Can I use humectant moisturizer if I have oily skin?

Yes, many lightweight formulas are quick-absorbing and can be used for people with oily and combination skin. You need to pick the right one after going through the ingredient list.

Can I use humectant moisturizer if I have atopic dermatitis?

Yes. People with dermatoses, eczemas, xeroses usually have very dry and flaking skin. Adding a humectant moisturizer in addition to their emollient will help trap moisture within the skin and keep it moist. It will also prevent the skin from drying out too quickly.

Are there humectant moisturizers for sensitive skin?

Many humectant moisturizers contain allergens like peanut oil, eggs, ceramides, etc. It’s important to review the ingredient list yourself and determine if you are allergic to a humectant moisturizer.

How can I prevent an allergy to humectant ingredients?

Always do a patch test on your neck to see if you are allergic or develop a reaction to any of the ingredients in a humectant moisturizer. If you do, ice the area and stop the product. Take an anti-histamine medication if you have wheals and flares.

Aren’t other moisturizers and humectant moisturizers theoretically the same?

No. Moisturizers are usually divided into humectants, emollients, and occlusives. All three have different mechanisms of action. Occlusives tend to form a barrier on the skin and prevent the skin from losing moisture.

They do not love water. Examples of occlusive ingredients in skincare include oils, lanolin, waxes, and silicone. Emollients tend to restore the skin barrier.

Examples of emollient moisturizing ingredients in skincare ingredients include lipids, shea butter, and oatmeal.

How long does a humectant moisturizer last?

The efficacy of a humectant moisturizer depends on many factors, the condition of your skin, the humidity of the atmosphere, and the season. Most of them last all day, which means you might need to reapply it every 12 hours.

In the winter, you might need more. It also depends on the formula. You might need more than a pea-size amount for light formulas that are quick absorbing during the winter.

Is a humectant moisturizer enough for dry skin?

Once you add moisture to the skin, you need something to seal it in, like an occlusive moisturizer. This is why many humectant moisturizers have an occlusive ingredient.

If yours does not, then add an occlusive moisturizer to your skincare regimen so that the moisture you’ve added stays trapped in the skin.

Is there something such as too much moisture?

Too much moisture can also be a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Some humectant ingredients tend to have antibacterial and antifungal activity. So these ingredients will prevent bacterial and fungal skin infections.

It will also stave off acne. However, not all of them do this. You need to be careful about these secondary problems while adding moisture to the skin. Or you can simply pick a humectant moisturizer that has these additional antibacterial and antifungal properties.

What to do if I develop a breakout?

Find out what has caused the breakout. Is it a single pimple, or are multiple follicles infected? Also, initially, some humectant ingredients like honey and seaweed may not just draw water but also exfoliate and thus reveal already existing clogged follicles that surface and resemble acne.

For any breakouts, discontinue your moisturizer and wait till the breakout subsides. If you develop a breakout out on resuming the application, you should discontinue the product.

Can I exfoliate with a humectant moisturizer?

Yes, you can. However, every time you exfoliate, you will need to double up the humectant moisturizer, as exfoliation strips the top layer of the epidermis and any moisture with it.

Use a humectant plus occlusive moisturizer after exfoliation.

Conclusion

After reviewing our list, we hope you’ve been able to pick the best humectant moisturizer for your skin.

There’s one out there for you, especially if you live in a dry area or are experiencing dry weather.

Have you found the best humectant moisturizer for your skin?

Let us know, and we might consider adding it to our list.

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References

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2. Fuchs S, M, Schliemann-Willers S, Fischer T, W, Elsner P: Protective Effects of Different Marigold <i>(Calendula officinalis L.)</i> and Rosemary Cream Preparations against Sodium-Lauryl-Sulfate-Induced Irritant Contact Dermatitis. Skin Pharmacol Physiol 2005;18:195-200. doi: 10.1159/000085865
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4. Narurkar VA, Fabi SG, Bucay VW, Tedaldi R, Downie JB, Zeichner JA, Butterwick K, Taub A, Kadoya K, Makino ET, Mehta RC, Vega VL. Rejuvenating Hydrator: Restoring Epidermal Hyaluronic Acid Homeostasis With Instant Benefits. J Drugs Dermatol. 2016 Jan;15(1 Suppl 2):s24-37. PMID: 26741392.
5. Gupta VK, Malhotra S. Pharmacological attribute of Aloe vera: Revalidation through experimental and clinical studies. Ayu. 2012;33(2):193-196. doi:10.4103/0974-8520.105237
6. Burlando B, Cornara L. Honey in dermatology and skin care: a review. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2013 Dec;12(4):306-13. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12058. PMID: 24305429.
7. Puglia C, Offerta A, Saija A, Trombetta D, Venera C. Protective effect of red orange extract supplementation against UV-induced skin damages: photoaging and solar lentigines. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2014 Jun;13(2):151-7. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12083. PMID: 24910279.
8. Yoo J, Park K, Yoo Y, Kim J, Yang H, Shin Y. Effects of Egg Shell Membrane Hydrolysates on Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Wrinkle, Anti-Microbial Activity and Moisture-Protection. Korean J Food Sci Anim Resour. 2014;34(1):26-32. doi:10.5851/kosfa.2014.34.1.26