From innovative plumping technology to just-launched makeup items galore, there are many products to sift through in the hunt for healthy, hydrated lips. Without these essential lipids, the barrier is weakened. While humectants provide hydration, emollients soften the skin, and occlusives help prevent water in the skin from evaporating. "If you're antsy about using something so heavy-duty," they say. They also help repair and strengthen the skins natural protective barrier. "Humectants are basically 'water magnets,'" board-certified dermatologist Ava Shamban, M.D., founder of SKINFIVE, told us about the class of ingredients. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, American Academy of Dermatology Association, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545171/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC5908267/, https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/oily-skin, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31945604/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23521561/, https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13555-021-00611-y, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22525567/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC5849435/. These substances smooth the skins surface to create a softer texture, filling gaps and cracks that make your skin feel rough. In personal care products, they help hydrate the skin, hair, or nails. It also has some unique moisturizing properties as it is both occlusive and humectant . In short, humectant ingredients need to be offset by occlusive ingredients to avoid the cycle of reapplication. Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly. What does humectant do for your skin? "However, if there is no occlusivelike petrolatum, beeswax, shea butter, coconut oil, or squalenethe moisture will not be sealed in to protect the moisture barrier. The humectant sodium hyaluronate is combined with occlusives like cyclopentasiloxane and dimethicone to ensure that moisture is absorbed and locked in. NYC-based dermatologist Dr. Hadley King, M.D., FAAD, likes lip masks because they typically have a higher occlusive content than lip balms.Occlusives are hydrating ingredients that form a protective barrier between the lips and elements that prevent moisture loss, similar to slugging for the lips.. Also, be careful of over-exfoliation, which can shed outer layers of skin and leave you more susceptible to environmental elements. Humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. In addition to these moisturizing ingredients, this formula uses Encapsulated Retinol Technology to deliver a higher concentration of retinol to your skin overnight. I really prefer unscented so this product-line is ideal for me. Unfortunately, some skin care brands may use high concentrations of humectants in their products that are claimed to provide anti-aging effects without any other ingredients to correct signs of aging. This nourishing formula is enriched with colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, and glycerin for the ultimate soothing and smoothing trifecta, in addition to hyaluronic acid and squalane for extra moisture. You can find humectants mainly in skin care and hair care products, but many industries use them. "It doesn't always peel off evenly. If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, we may receive an affiliate commission. The new and improved formula uses a blend of ingredients that instantly softens the skin and deeply hydrates, keeping them feeling comfortable all day long. Humectants pull water from the dermis to the epidermis and stratum corneum. According to Dr. Ugonabo, basic is usually better, at least when it comes to healing chapped lips. Steer clear of irritants: While cooling agents like camphor and menthol feel good upon contact, they will sting and arent necessary to heal or improve lips, says Dr. Waldorf. Basically, an emollient is a film forming substance that makes the skin feel and look smooth. This Jack Black lip balm promises "intense therapy," and frankly, it delivers. The extremely nourishing formula is packed with coconut, argan, rosehip, and jojoba oils for a smooth and creamy application, while shea butter seals moisture into place. Available in a variety of hues, Ilia is known for its hydrating tints and these offer buildable color so you can keep on re-applying. Formulyst Super Hyaluronic Water Moisturizer is also enriched with jojoba oil, apricot kernel oil, and squalane to promote soft, smooth skin. Thats why chapstick is so important, and the best lip balms will help keep your pout hydrated no matter the weather. In general, however, the effects include relief of dry skin, reduction of thickened skin, and strengthening of the skin barrier. This is in comparison to an occlusive-only wax or jelly balm that merely coats the surfaceor shiny and plumping numbers that are there for aesthetic purposes only. Without occlusives, the moisture will evaporate and your skin will be left drier than it was before. Despite the promises of the balms, glosses, and miracle treatments you impulse-buy all season long, what you see isnt always what you get. Glycerin. Secondly, you need to be careful of lip balm recipes that include humectant ingredients WITHOUT the presence of occlusive ingredients. Its comes out solid from the tube, but immediately melts into the skin once it hits your lips. More specifically, your lips are made of two types of skin: the vermillion, which is red and partially covered with saliva, and the cutaneous component which has vellus hairs and soft, delicate skin, explains Snehal Amin, M.D., F.A.C.M.S., F.A.A.D., co-founder and surgical director of MDCS Dermatology. Castor jelly-based formula which feeds your skin antioxidants, instantly hydrates, and protects your lips. Dr. Baumann recommends Burts Bees Lip Balm for its perfect balance of occlusives and humectants. "Lip balms with humectants such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin make lips worse," says dermatologist Leslie Baumann, M.D., to Style Caster. This is because they're indiscriminate about where they pull in water. 1 . This balm is so good, it won as the best lip treatment in our 2020 Healthy Beauty Awards. She also recommends a product with SPF for extra protection. Your IP address is listed in our blacklist and blocked from completing this request. Upon application to the skin, this lattice enables silicones to form a film on the surface while still allowing skin to breathe. The humectants will hold onto moisture, while the occlusive agents will prevent it from evaporating. $16 at allbeauty. This is a molecule found naturally in the body, although the body makes less of it as you age. Ciat Fruit Burst Hydrating Lip Oil. They include: humectants, emollients and occlusives. Of them, 12 had no skin conditions, and 50 had hyperkeratosis, or thickened skin, on the feet. Make sure to use it only if it contains both humectants, such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin, and occlusive agents, like beeswax, shea butter, or other oils. Additionally, a 2021 research article notes that the humectant lactic acid can relieve rough, dry skin at concentrations up to 12%. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Emollients also help replenish any damage on the surface of your skin. lip balm. She received her journalism degree from Marquette University, graduating first in the department. In order to discuss the different types of moisturizers, well need a brief discussion on the structure and function of the skin barrier. For a moisturizing, slightly glossy finish, Dr. Gohara recommends this UV Lip Color Splash. It comes in both a clear version, as well as two tinted options. Nearly everyone can benefit from an emollient product. If you purchase something mentioned in this article, we may. (Not to mention, Reese Whitherspoon is a mega fan of the clean beauty brand.). While an emollient will provide some occlusive effects, the primary function is to help soften the skin. This is why humectants should really be paired with occlusives and emollientseither in the same formula or layered together. Read on to learn about panthenol, including its uses, benefits. Humectants work by attracting water and drawing it into the skin or hair in order to maintain healthy hydration. Rachel Maiman, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical counts the following ingredients as potential irritants for chapped lips. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale. Petrolatum, silicone, squalene, lanolin, shea butter, and waxes all fit the bill. Lip Liner. This bonding helps moisturize the skin by drawing water from the lower cell layers. Dr. Maiman also recommends looking for humectants, ingredients that draw water from the lower layer of the skin (the dermis), into the upper layer of the skin (the epidermis), helping to moisturize the the outer layers of skin to help heal and prevent chapping. A lipophilic humectant is one that manufacturers have dissolved in fats or lipids. It's literally magic," one reviewer wrote. A 2021 review notes that urea helps enhance the stratum corneum by increasing hydration and improving the skin barriers integrity. Isaac Winter is a fact-checker and writer for Real Simple, ensuring the accuracy of content published by rigorously researching content before publication and periodically when content needs to be updated. Best food forward: Are algae the future of sustainable nutrition? But if you find yourself slathering a bit too often, we have some bad news: Your precious lip balm may be causing more harm than good. For example, AHAs are also exfoliants. Specifically formulated to target the visible signs of aging, Formulysts Anti-Aging Night Cream deeply moisturizes skin with humectants, emollients, and occlusives. The 17 Best Lip Balms for Smooth, Hydrated Lips, According to Dermatologists and Shoppers The 10 Best Red Lipsticks of 2023, Tested and Reviewed The 7 Best Lip Plumpers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Since humectants slow water from evaporating in the epidermis, they help to keep the skin hydrated. A mild steroid, such as 1% hydrocortisone, can reduce inflammation if your lips are in pain. A few examples of occlusives are:Argan oil. Photo: Courtesy of Merchants / Design by Jo Imperio, These Are The 10 Best Lip Plumping Glosses, According to Reviews, Potentially Irritating Ingredients to Avoid Using on Angry Lips. For humectants to do their job, they need to stay in your skin and hair. Without occlusives, the moisture that the humectants pull out simply vanishes on the surface of the skin, leaving lips drier than they were in the first place. Based on the ingredients they include, moisturizers can be broken down into three main categories: humectant, emollient, and occlusive. A few examples of skin care ingredients that can be classified as humectants include the following: Humectant products can be used by all skin types, but they are best for those with normal to slightly dry skin. At work, I often get moisture buildup under my mask which paradoxically can dry out the lips. Some emollients may contain . 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. Heart failure: Could a low sodium diet sometimes do more harm than good? "Unlike the rest of our skin, lips don't have sweat glands, so they're not able to produce their own sweat and oil," says Nkem Ugonabo, M.D., NYC-based board-certified dermatologist at Union Derm. They come in three main forms: natural or unchanged, naturally derived, and synthetic. The most common include. Occlusive Moisturizers: Occlusives form a physical barrier on the skin to prevent water loss. Interviewed Heartland Alliance employees for oral history project conducted by the Lake Forest College History Department. Dry brushing is a way of exfoliating the skin using a bristle brush. Emollients come in the form of creams, gels, lotions and ointments and work to help the skin feel more comfortable and less itchy. Best Drugstore: Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm (4-Pack), $10. Mind your reaction: Even some traditionally helpful ingredients, like beeswax, can cause allergic reactions in people, says Dr. Feely. I'm particularly fond of the not shiny yet never dull sheen the formula imparts. In skin care, they draw water from the deeper layers of the skin to the outermost layer. "Certain lip balms only contain humectants (read: immediate moisture)like hyaluronic acid and glycerinwhich draw water from the air," says Marnie Nussbaum, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. Look for a lip balm that contains a mixture of humectant and occlusive ingredients not humectants on their own. If youve ever used an anti-acne product that made you break out, then you already know what we mean: Counterintuitively, some lip balms can make chapped lips worse by actually exacerbating dryness. People with hair that gets greasy quickly may prefer to look for hair products that do not contain much oil, if any. This rich balm comes in tinted and clear options and packs a seriously hydrating punch courtesy of shea and moringa butter, two occlusives that hydrate and soothe. Beeswax is also an occlusive, meaning it forms a moisturizing, protective layer on the surface of the lips 3. You're not imagining it: Some lip balms can leave your skin drier than before. It's also possible to become addicted to medicated balms since some active ingredients can make your lips more sensitive and prone to cracking. And balms that are able to achieve this can do so because they use a blend of humectants, emollients, and occlusive ingredientslike in mindbodygreen's lip balm. Also, please don't peel off any flaking lip skin, since this habit is also damaging to sensitive lip skin. A 2017 study notes that emollients consist mostly of lipids, such as natural oils and waxes. However, when occlusive ingredients like petrolatum, waxes, oils and silicones are paired with humectant ingredients, they make sure your lips aren't drying out after application. This proprietary formulation helps, retain moisture content . This leads to visibly dry, tight-feeling, flaky skin. The super thick formula melts down nicely, and a little goes a long way for healthier lips come morning. Other occlusive ingredients include shea and cocoa seed butter. A weak or damaged barrier leads to transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and may allow harmful things like allergens, bacteria, and irritants to pass through into the deeper layers of skin. Our fashion, beauty and lifestyle coverage is equal parts informative and inspiring, and at once aspirational yet attainable. Thanks to frigid temps and less humidity in the air, any natural moisture in your lips simply evaporates, leaving you with dry skin, flaking, or even painful cracks. Worth noting: it does have a hint of peppermint, but it leans more towards refreshing as opposed to the stinging you'd feel on ultra-chapped lips treated with camphor or menthol. She spends most of her days diving into the latest wellness trends, writing and editing stories about health conditions, testing skincare products, and trying to understand the next greatest internet obsession. Objective: Since skin on the lips has a lower water content in the stratum corneum (SC) and a higher transepidermal water loss (TEWL) value than skin on the cheek, the lips are usually very dry and rough areas. True Botanicals Moisture Lock Glossy Lip Balm, Lilah B. 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The primary purpose of lip balm is to provide an occlusive layer on the lip surface to seal moisture in lips and protect them from external exposure. Best Luxury: Augustinus Bader The Lip Balm, $41. It can be used on any part of the body that has dry, irritated skin. In that case, you could have an actinic keratosisa precancerous skin condition caused by excessive sun. A lip balm that contains SPF can help protect you from harmful UV rays. Hyaluronic acid. One way you can help your skin and hair collect more moisture is to use products with humectants., Humectants are substances that attract water from the air or from deeper in the skin. Emollients come in many different varietiesfrom plant-based oils and butters to fatty acids, ceramides, and synthetically made oils. These ingredients are also in many personal care products for dry skin. Aquaphor tends to be a better moisturizer because it contains humectant ingredients and is occlusive, while Vaseline is only occlusive. Be sure to use a moisturizer that doesnt depend on humectants only. It immediately relieves dryness and soothes chapped, cracked lips, and provides long-lasting moisture to them. What causes them, and what you can do about them. There needs to be enough NH2 and OH groups on the molecule to counteract the nonpolar parts (i.e. That doesnt mean you should avoid humectants in your lip balmsjust look for those ingredients alongside the occlusive agents. Credit: Aquaphor. Shea butter and squalane reinforce hydration for a smooth, nourished poutall while excluding parabens, silicones, and iffy chemicals. Cardiovascular health: Insomnia linked to greater risk of heart attack. . "After saliva evaporates, the lips are often even drier than when it started." Humectants are different from emollients and occlusives. Glycolic acid comes from sugar cane, lactic acid from milk, and citric acid from citrus fruits., Aloe vera. . RRP: $16/20. Beeswax prevents moisture loss, while SPF 15 protects your lips from the sun. And which one should I choose for my skin type?. You may think the product is working because your skin looks plump after use, but these effects are just from the humectant. According to Dr. Nussbaum, this is the same reason licking your lips worsens chapped lipsthe saliva quickly evaporates, leaving the lips even drier and starting the lip-licking cycle over again. However, most silicones do not allow water to pass through, which is an ideal quality for preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) a leading cause of dehydrated skin. Vaseline is an occlusive emollient thanks to its main ingredient: petrolatum. No one likes dry skin and hair. This classic lip balm is Idriss' pick for lip balm with sun protection. "The Laniege Lip Sleeping Mask is my absolute favorite addition to a good daily lip balm regimen for those with dry, chapped lips," shares Dr. Maiman. . The stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis (top layer of skin), is the primary barrier of the skin and is very important in maintaining water balance. SkinQ Moisture Balm has occlusive, humectant active ingredients with moisturisation along with anti-inflammatory and skin-nourishing actives. (See: How to Strengthen Your Skin Barrier to Prevent Irritation and Sensitivity). In summary. Best lip oil. As tempting as it may be, the last thing you want to do is lick or wet your lips to try and find relief, explains Heidi Waldorf, M.D., founder of Waldorf Dermatology Aesthetics and associate clinical professor at the Icahn School of Medicine of Mount Sinai University. References: Harwood A Moisturizers Jan 2019, VeryWellHealth.com Humectants in Moisturizers, LabMuffin.com Skincare Chemistry: How to Pick Out Humectants Jan 2019, DermatologyTimes.com What is an emollient Jan 2015, library.essentialwholesale.com Occlusive, Emollient & Humectant Terms To Know June 2017, PaulasChoice.com Silicone in Skincare. It positively affects consumers' lips because it is made of 100% herbal ingredients containing a combination of an emollient, a humectant, and an occlusive agent to enhance the duration of the . "Lip balms that contain humectant ingredients, . Below are the products we recommend that effectively combine these three ingredient types in their formulas. The new and improved formula uses a blend of ingredients that instantly softens the skin and deeply hydrates, keeping them feeling comfortable all day long. As soon as the moisture evaporates, the lips will feel drier and appear dehydrated.". "This is the first lip anything I can use that I don't break out. Heres the thing: Humectant ingredients need to be offset by occlusive ingredients to work their moisturizing magic. Hydrating skin care ingredients attract water, while moisturizers keep the hydration in. You can think of this barrier as having a brick and mortar structure the corneocytes are the bricks and the lipids are the mortar. It has different types of humectants like glycerine and panthenol, antioxidants, as well as emollients which sound like magic for lips!