BLOG POST • MURMURE • EDUCATION
Top 10 Best Ingredients for Dry Skin
THE MURMURE TEAM
If your skin constantly feels tight, flaky, or just plain uncomfortable, the key is knowing which ingredients to look for. Not all moisturizers are created equal, and understanding the difference between occlusives and humectants can make all the difference.
Occlusives vs. Humectants—What’s the Difference?
Before we get into the best ingredients, let’s break down the basics. Occlusives create a protective barrier on the skin to prevent water loss, essentially locking in moisture (think of them like a cozy blanket for your face). Humectants, on the other hand, draw moisture from the environment into your skin, helping to keep it hydrated and plump. The best formulas combine both to maximize hydration and nourishment.
Our Top 10 Ingredients to target dryness
1. Hyaluronic Acid - A hydration hero, hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it an essential ingredient for keeping skin supple and bouncy.
2. Mallow Flower Extract (Plant Mucin) - This botanical powerhouse is packed with plant-based mucins that deeply hydrate and soothe the skin. It helps reinforce the skin barrier and provides long-lasting moisture without feeling heavy.
3. Glycerin
A tried-and-true humectant, glycerin pulls moisture from the environment into your skin, helping to keep it plump and hydrated. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and plays well with other ingredients.
4. Shea Butter - A rich, nourishing emollient, shea butter is full of fatty acids and vitamins that deeply moisturize and repair dry skin. It also has natural anti-inflammatory properties to calm irritation.
5. Squalane - This plant-derived lipid mimics the skin’s natural oils, making it an excellent emollient for restoring lost moisture. It absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue.
6. Ceramides -Think of ceramides as the glue that holds your skin cells together. They strengthen the skin barrier, locking in hydration and protecting against external aggressors.
7. Sodium PCA – A naturally occurring humectant that helps to attract and hold moisture in the skin, keeping it soft and hydrated.
8. Aloe Vera - A natural humectant with soothing properties, aloe vera helps to hydrate and calm irritation, making it perfect for sensitive, dry skin.
9. Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)
Panthenol works as both a humectant and an emollient, meaning it attracts moisture while also softening and smoothing dry patches.
10. Jojoba Oil
Technically a wax, not an oil, jojoba oil closely resembles the skin’s natural sebum, making it incredibly effective for replenishing moisture and strengthening the skin barrier.
Layering is key! Start with humectants (like glycerin and hyaluronic acid) to draw in moisture, follow with emollients (like shea butter and squalane) to soften, and finish with occlusives (like jojoba oil) to seal it all in. Your skin will thank you!