Types of Lotion

Did you know that there are different types of lotion? Or more accurately, different types of ingredients in your lotion. You might have noticed that some creams make your skin feel amazing when you first apply them, but the effects don’t last. Meanwhile, other lotions don’t seem like anything special, unless you use them every day. Then you notice a big improvement, but only over time.

That’s because lotions use three different types of ingredients. Humectants, emollients, and occlusives. Let’s break it down like this: imagine your skin is a garden, and you want to keep it happy and hydrated. Humectants, emollients, and occlusives are like your green thumb tools for this job when it comes to lotions.

What are the different kinds of lotion?

Humectants

First up, we’ve got humectants. Think of them as little water traps for your garden. They attract moisture from the air and draw it into your skin, keeping it nice and hydrated throughout the day.

Emollients

Then there are emollients which are like smoothing agents. They help soften your skin by filling in those rough patches and making everything feel silky smooth. You know, like that perfect layer of smooth, nutrient-rich topsoil.

Occlusives

Last but not least, we have occlusives. Picture them as the protective barrier. They seal in all that moisture and goodness, preventing it from evaporating into thin air. It’s like moving your garden into a greenhouse with the perfect amount of water in the air.

How do I know what type of lotion I’m using?

Humectants, emollients, and occlusives work together to keep your skin feeling healthy and looking its best. But how can you tell which ingredients do what? Ingredient labels aren’t exactly broken down by quality. Check out these common ingredients to see their main function.