HUMECTANTS
- HUMECTANTS
- ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
- DEODORANTS
- EMOLLIENTS
- EMULGATORS
- EXFOLIANTS
- CHELATING AGENTS
- CONDITIONING AGENTS
- PRESERVATIVES
- OXIDES
- SOLVENTS
- TENSIDES, SURFACTANT
- BOTANICALS
- VITAMINS AND ANTIOXIDANTS
- THICKENERS
Documentation for every product
11 products in this category
11 in stock now
4.9 out of 5 · 496 ratings
1,3-Propanediol, 100 ml
Pre-order1,3-Propanediol, 20 l
Pre-order1,3-Propanediol, 5 l
Pre-order1,3-Propanediol, 500 ml
Pre-orderVegetable Glycerol 99,5% USP/BP, 10 l
Pre-orderVegetable Glycerol 99,5% USP/BP, 100 ml
Pre-orderVegetable Glycerol 99,5% USP/BP, 1000 ml
Pre-orderVegetable Glycerol 99,5% USP/BP, 20 l
Pre-orderVegetable Glycerol 99,5% USP/BP, 500 ml
Pre-orderVegetable Glycerol 99,5% USP/BP, 5000 ml
Pre-orderShowing 11 of 11 products
Humectants – hydration and comfort for skin and hair
The humectants category covers raw materials that bind and hold moisture in the skin and hair. These ingredients are the backbone of moisturising creams, serums, shampoos, conditioners and body lotions, and they add to the feeling of softness and suppleness of the skin.
The range includes glycerine, panthenol, the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid and other substances that act as humectants – they draw water from the surroundings or from deeper layers of the skin and help keep hydration at its optimum through the day.
Using humectants regularly supports a healthy look to the skin, eases tightness and improves the texture of cosmetic products. There is more on how to use them below.
Glycerine
A traditional hydrating humectant of plant origin that improves the hydration and suppleness of the skin. It is used across every type of cosmetic product – from creams to shampoos. A versatile humectant that is well tolerated by every skin type. There is more in the product Vegetable Glycerin 99.5% 100 ml.
Panthenol – provitamin B5
A popular humectant ingredient that supports the renewal of the skin barrier, eases irritation and improves hydration. It suits shampoos, face creams and lotions. Soothes the skin and restores its natural balance. There is more in the product D-Panthenol 75% w 100 ml.
Hyaluronic acid (sodium salt)
A strongly hydrating polysaccharide that holds water in the skin and smooths fine lines. Suitable for anti-ageing serums and hydrating creams. Intense hydration and an immediate feeling of softness. The details are with the product Hyaluronic acid (HMW) 1 g.
Urea
A natural component of the skin’s own film with pronounced hydrating effects. It softens dry and calloused skin (at higher concentrations it has a keratolytic effect) and suits hand and foot creams. Holds water effectively and softens rough skin. There is more in the product Urea – pharmaceutical grade 50 g.
Hydrating ingredients and extras
For all-round care it is worth combining humectants with oils or butters, which lock the moisture into the skin. Hydrate, nourish and protect – for a balanced formulation of creams and lotions. We recommend a look at the categories Cosmetic oils, Butters and Emulsifiers.
Frequently asked questions
What are humectants and how do they work?
Humectants bind water and raise the moisture content of the skin and hair. They draw water from the surroundings or from deeper layers of the skin, improve suppleness, prevent flaking and support a healthy look to the skin. They include glycerine, panthenol, urea and the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid – the backbone of hydrating creams, serums, shampoos and body lotions.
How are humectants used in cosmetics, and at what dosage?
They are usually added to the water phase of emulsions or gels at 1–5%. The exception is high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (1.5–2 MDa), where 0.1–0.5% is enough. For balanced hydration, combine humectants with oils, butters or waxes, which lock the bound moisture into the skin.
Which humectants are best for dry skin?
Glycerine, panthenol and hyaluronic acid are ideal for dry skin; for calloused, rough skin on the hands and feet, urea helps by hydrating and softening it (at higher concentrations it has a keratolytic effect). For a longer-lasting effect, combine them with oils or butters that lock the moisture into the skin – the humectant binds the water and the lipid part keeps it there.
Are humectants suitable for hair care too?
Yes, humectants such as panthenol or glycerine improve the hydration of hair and reduce frizz. They are recommended for shampoos, conditioners and leave-in serums; panthenol is popular in face creams and lotions as well, where it eases irritation and supports the renewal of the skin barrier. In hair care the dosage stays in the usual 1–5% range.










