Best Hydrating Skincare Ingredients for Soft & Glowing Skin
Who can resist that brightened, dewy appearance and the feel of the skin when it is perfectly hydrated? It’s not only about looking good, hydrated skin just feels great, too. The secret to smooth, plump, and healthy-looking skin actually lies in its moisture. When your skin is properly hydrated, it feels soft and nourished, revitalized-the perfect base for any skincare routine or makeup application.
The best way to feed the skin is by incorporating hydrating elements that pull in moisture and lock it in where it should remain deep inside the skin layer. Imagine an instant flood of hydration that quenches thirsty skin and leaves skin visibly refreshed and glowing. That is the right skincare formula at work, made to restore your skin’s moisture level to its optimal state and support the overall health of your skin.
If it’s dry winter air or daily stress drying out your skin, keeping your skin moisturized is the key. Hydrating not only helps restore balance to your skin but is also very instrumental in skin elasticity for reducing fine lines and preventing dullness in complexion. In skincare, you’ll definitely notice texture improvements, brightness, and softness if you stick to the right routine.
So, without further ado, below you’ll see 10 in our opinion the best hydrating skincare ingredients that has the ability to bring out soft and well-moisturized skin.
1. Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid, we already discussed in the best skincare ingredients blog, and we think it’s the best hydrator. Being a humectant, hyaluronic acid attracts water from the environment and then locks it into the skin. Capable of holding up to 1,000 times its weight in water, hyaluronic acid deeply moisturizes and plumps the skin, hence reducing fine lines and leaving skin looking fresh and dewy. This is great for all skin types and, in particular, and can be found in serums and moisturizers.
2. Glycerin
Another humectant is glycerin, which attracts water to the skin. It occurs naturally in our skin, and as an ingredient, it’s so gentle and effective even on sensitive skin. Glycerin helps not only to moisturize but also to strengthen the skin’s barrier by protecting the skin from losing moisture. You’ll often find glycerin in cleansers, toners, and lotions because it’s lightweight and perfect for layering underneath other products.
3. Squalane
Squalane is derived from plants like olives, and it closely emulates skin’s natural oils, which, in turn, confers an exceptionally good affinity with the skin. It is a great emollient that seals moisture without occluding pores, thus it is suitable for all skin types but is especially beneficial in dry or combination skin. Squalane is a popular ingredient found in facial oils and moisturizers, which can leave skin with a smooth sensation without any greasiness.
4. Aloe Vera
5. Panthenol
Panthenol, also known as provitamin B5, is an active humectant-emollient that attracts and retains moisture while improving skin softness and elasticity. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it one of the best components for sensitive skin and for those who fight irritation. You can find panthenol in moisturizers, serums, and soothing creams.
6. Ceramides
Naturally occurring in skin, ceramides are the lipids that have a major role in maintaining the skin barrier. They help to hold the skin cells, thus prevents moisture loss and improves guarding against some environmental irritants. In dry or sensitive skin, ceramides is a must, to repair and strengthen the skin barrier. You will find this in creams and moisturizers designed for deep hydration.
7. Lactic Acid
While known as a mild exfoliant, lactic acid is just as effective as a hydrating ingredient. Being an alpha hydroxy acid, AHA removes dead skin cells while hydrating your skin. Lactic acid improves skin texture, brightness, and hydration, it’s one of the best skin care ingredients for dull, and dehydrated skin. You’ll find it in gentle exfoliating serums and toners.
8. Honey
Honey is a natural humectant with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, which is super effective for skin hydration and soothing. It draws water right into your skin to provide deep hydration and a natural glow. Products containing raw honey or made from honey are good for dry or sensitive skin and have great benefits for skin moisturizing and soothing.
9. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is a light, non-comedogenic oil, similar to natural skin sebum. It hydrates without clogging pores, which makes it a perfect ingredient for oily and acne-prone skin types, too. Commonly found in moisturizers and face oils, jojoba oil can even be used on its own as a nourishing hydrator.
10. Niacinamide
Niacinamide is great for firming up the skin’s moisture barrier, reducing trans-epidermal water loss and therefore helping improve hydration levels. It has also been shown to provide anti-inflammatory brightening to help with redness and hyperpigmentation. Niacinamide comes in serums, moisturizers, and toners, and works for every skin type, from sensitive to acne-prone.
Our Favorite Hydrating Product Picks
How to Pick the Right Hydrating Skincare Ingredients for Your Skin
Hydration is the most paramount thing in getting healthy, glowing skin. But, since there are so many hydrating ingredients in the skincare world, it could be a bit challenging to know which one fits your skin type and concerns. Getting the right hydrating ingredients gives skin a way to keep it nourished, well-balanced, and radiant. So, there are a few steps to deciding what ingredients are best for you.
Understand Your Skin Type
Dry Skin: When the skin is feeling tight, flaky, or rough, then it surely needs more moisturizer that will hydrate it deep inside and fill the skin’s moisture barrier. Use heavier humectants and emollients that lock in moisture like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane.
Oily skin: Whether your skin is oily or acne-prone, it still needs to be hydrated. You just want to use lightweight non-comedogenic ingredients that hydrate without causing clogs or adding any kind of greasiness like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin.
Combination Skin: This skin type requires ingredients that will moisturize your skin without overpowering the oilier areas like the T-zone. Lightweight, balancing ingredients do the magic here.
Sensitive Skin: Such skin requires soothing and non-irritating ingredients. Look for hydrating ingredients that can soothe, calm, and strengthen the skin’s barrier without any oncoming redness or irritation.