What ingredient type is known to improve skin hydration?

Humectants are ingredients specifically recognized for their ability to enhance skin hydration. They work by attracting water from the environment or deeper layers of the skin to the surface, effectively increasing moisture levels. This property makes humectants particularly valuable in skincare formulations, as they can help maintain skin elasticity and suppleness, preventing dryness and flakiness.

Active ingredients, while they can have numerous functions, often focus on addressing specific skin concerns like acne, aging, or pigmentation rather than hydration alone. Surfactants serve a different purpose, primarily acting as cleansing agents that help to lower surface tension, allowing for the removal of dirt and oils but they are not primarily used for hydration. Emulsifiers are important for blending oil and water in formulations but do not significantly contribute to skin hydration on their own. Therefore, humectants are the most effective choice for improving skin hydration in skincare products.