Kosteuttajaaine

Kosteuttajaaine, often translated as humectant, is a cosmetic ingredient designed to attract water from the environment and bind it to the skin. This action helps to hydrate the outermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, making it softer, smoother, and more supple. Humectants are essential components in many skincare products, particularly moisturizers, lotions, and serums, where they play a crucial role in maintaining the skin's moisture balance.

Common examples of humectants include glycerin, hyaluronic acid, urea, sorbitol, and lactic acid. Glycerin is a widely used and effective humectant that can be derived from both plant and animal sources. Hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body, is known for its exceptional ability to retain water. Urea, when used in lower concentrations, also acts as a humectant and can help to gently exfoliate the skin.

The effectiveness of a humectant can depend on the ambient humidity. In very dry environments, some humectants may draw moisture from deeper layers of the skin to the surface if there isn't sufficient moisture in the air, potentially leading to a drying effect. Therefore, humectants are often used in conjunction with occlusive ingredients, such as petrolatum or silicones, which form a barrier on the skin to prevent water loss. This combination ensures that the water attracted by the humectant is effectively retained within the skin.