Occlusive Ingredients

A way to slow down water loss is to form a temporary film or coating over skin, similar to how a physical sunscreen forms a shield over skin to block UV rays.

This film keeps water trapped inside the Stratum Corneum (the outermost layer of skin) and reduces evaporation.

Occlusive ingredients in skin care products are hydrophobic agents that lock in moisture. They occlude the skin, which means they block the passage of water out of skin and they block things on the outside from coming in.

Some occlusive ingredients, such as plant oils, can also repair the skin barrier by feeding the skin with lipids. However, some can block pores and feel heavy (see Comedogenicity).

Common Occlusive Ingredients in Skin Care:

  • petrolatum
  • beeswax
  • oils
  • lanolins
  • silicones

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