There is a critical difference between hydration and moisture. Hydration is water content — how plump and supple skin feels. Moisture is the ability to retain that water — the integrity of your barrier. You need both. These ingredients work at different levels of the skin to deliver and lock in hydration.
Holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Draws moisture from the environment and deeper skin layers to the surface. Available in multiple molecular weights — high-weight for surface plumping, low-weight for deep penetration.
The most effective and most used humectant in skincare. Draws water into skin from the environment. Gentle, non-comedogenic, compatible with every other ingredient. In almost every well-formulated moisturiser.
Ground oat — clinically proven to reduce inflammation, calm redness and repair barrier function. Physically soothing and anti-itch. The ingredient of choice for eczema, rosacea and reactive skin routines.
Lightweight emollient — a stable, plant-derived version of squalene (naturally produced by skin). Mimics skin's own sebum so absorbs without greasiness. Seals moisture in without clogging pores.
Korean skincare staple — derived from the tiger grass plant, traditionally used in wound healing. Potent anti-inflammatory, barrier-repair and collagen-stimulating ingredient. The hero for reactive and post-procedure skin.
Humectant and skin-repairing ingredient. Attracts water, reduces inflammation and accelerates healing. Frequently found in soothing formulas alongside ceramides and niacinamide. Works well under and over all actives.
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