Humectants, Emollients, Occlusives-Dollhouse Botanicals

Emollient. Humectant. Occlusive. What's the difference? And which one do you need?

Let's start with humectant. Humectants are hydrophilic, water-soluble substances that attract water into the skin, binding water molecules from the air and the skin to keep skin hydrated.

Think: hyaluronic acid, glycerin. aloe vera (water-soluble)

Humectants should be applied before emollients.

Emollients are moisturizing agents such as oils, ointments, and butters that trap and seal in moisture, filling in the cracks and gaps in the skin's cells. Emollients are often used to moisturize dry skin, strengthen the skin's moisture barrier, and prevent water loss.

Emollients should be applied after humectants. 

Apply the humectant to damp skin, followed by the emollient.

Occlusives: Occlusives help to lock in moisture by forming a protective barrier on the skin and preventing trans epidermal water loss. (These are going to be your oil-soluble ingredients, like butters, such as those made with beeswax), ointments.

Note: Oils are also occlusives.

Dollhouse Botanicals Easy Breakdown:

FIRST trap the water, then add on your healing, sealing ingredients!

1. Humectants draw in the water, which will then act as the carrier for your ingredients and help them absorb. Use your hyaluronic acid and/or water-soluble ingredients, including creams, FIRST!
2. Emollients and Occlusives: penetrating and sealing ingredients. These are typically going to be your oils, butters, ointments that are going to lock in your ingredients- preventing moisture loss and protecting the skin's barrier.

Why should you apply emollients, such as oil, to damp skin?

The water acts as a carrier, helping the actives from the oil to penetrate the skin, preventing the product from sitting on top of the skin, and allowing for better absorption.

When using Dollhouse Botanicals Flora Face Hydrators:

1. Ensure face is clean, and damp (not dripping).
2. Roll the hydrator over your face, under eyes, blemishes, or your entire face. 
3. Massage the oil in with clean fingertips. If you are applying makeup, allow one minute for the oil's ingredients to absorb.
4. You're done.

Our Flora Face Hydrators can be used alone or after applying hyaluronic acid, toners, etc.

When using Dollhouse Botanicals Beard, Loc, and Braid hair oil fragrances:

1. Mist hair with water and then apply the oil to hair and scalp.
   
2. Style and go!

For easy-to-understand information about skincare, visit News – Dollhouse Botanicals

For more information, visit these blogs:

What Are Your Skincare Ingredients Telling You? A Guide to Labels – Dollhouse Botanicals

What Are Antioxidants? Benefits for Skin & Why Botanical Oils Win – Dollhouse Botanicals

What Is Cold Pressed Oil and Why Your Skin Loves It – Dollhouse Botanicals

Refined vs Unrefined Oils: Which is Better for Skincare? | Complete Guide – Dollhouse Botanicals