Humectants
Help the outer skin layer hold water. Usually strongest inside a formula that also softens and seals.
Independent, ingredient-led skincare guidance How we review ↗
FORMULA LITERACYRead the formula.
Read the formula.
Not the front label.
Twelve evidence-led field guides explain what familiar moisturiser ingredients do, where the research stops and how to choose a complete cream without chasing trends.
Explore the ingredient library ↓01 / OUR READING FRAMEWORKFunction first.
Function first.
Claims second.
Emollients
Fill rough spaces and improve flexibility, slip and comfort.
Occlusives
Reduce water loss with a protective film. Richer is useful—not automatically better everywhere.
02 / INGREDIENT DIRECTORYTwelve ingredients,
Twelve ingredients,
four useful families.
Learn what each ingredient does, where the evidence is strongest, who may need extra caution and which reviewed creams contain it.
Humectants
Ingredients that help the outer skin layer hold water.
HUMECTANT + SOFTENING ACTIVE↗
Urea
Urea is part of the skin’s natural moisturising system.
Read the field guideWATER-BINDING HUMECTANT↗
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a water-binding polysaccharide used as a humectant.
Read the field guideDEPENDABLE HUMECTANT↗
Glycerin
Glycerin—also called glycerol—is a humectant that helps the outer skin layer hold water.
Read the field guideBarrier support
Lipids and supporting actives used in barrier-focused formulas.
BARRIER LIPIDS↗
Ceramides
Ceramides are waxy lipids naturally present between cells in the outer skin layer.
Read the field guideVITAMIN B3 DERIVATIVE↗
Niacinamide
Niacinamide, also called nicotinamide, is a vitamin B3 derivative used in moisturisers for barrier support and broader cosmetic benefits.
Read the field guideLIGHTWEIGHT EMOLLIENT↗
Squalane
Squalane is a stable hydrogenated hydrocarbon used as a lightweight emollient.
Read the field guideOcclusives
Ingredients that reduce water loss and add a protective finish.
HIGH-OCCLUSION CLASSIC↗
Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly is purified petrolatum, an occlusive ingredient that forms a semi-occlusive surface film and reduces water loss.
Read the field guideWOOL-DERIVED EMOLLIENT↗
Lanolin
Lanolin is a waxy material derived from sheep’s wool and used to soften skin and strengthen ointment texture.
Read the field guidePlant-derived
Botanical emollients and soothing agents, with allergy context included.
PLANT-DERIVED EMOLLIENT↗
Shea Butter
Shea butter is a plant-derived fat used as an emollient and texture builder.
Read the field guideSOOTHING SKIN PROTECTANT↗
Colloidal Oatmeal
Colloidal oatmeal is finely milled oat prepared to disperse in topical products.
Read the field guideBOTANICAL SOOTHING AGENT↗
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel is a botanical ingredient used for a cooling, soothing feel.
Read the field guidePLANT OIL + OCCLUSIVE↗
Coconut Oil
Virgin coconut oil is an emollient plant oil that can improve hydration and surface lipids in mild-to-moderate xerosis.
Read the field guide03 / HOW TO USE THESE GUIDESIngredient pages are
Ingredient pages are
a starting point.
A single INCI name cannot tell you its concentration, delivery, pH, stability or how the finished moisturiser feels. Our guides explain plausible function and published evidence, then return the decision to the complete formula.
Skin conditions need their own context. Dryness support is not equivalent to treating eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, infection or a non-healing wound.
Read our non-fear-based safety guide →04 / CONTINUE YOUR RESEARCH
From ingredient to decision.
START WITH CONTEXT
Skin Conditions
Match moisturising support to the condition and know when a cream is not enough.
Explore conditions →COMPARE THE CATEGORYBest Creams
See ten-product shortlists built around use case, formula and value.
Compare creams →CHECK THE PRODUCTReviews
Read formula facts, texture context and limitations for individual products.
Browse reviews →