Emollients
Emollients are the hero ingredients that make skincare and haircare feel silky soft. They smooth and soften the skin’s surface while helping to lock in moisture, leaving skin feeling comfortable and looking healthy. You’ll find them in creams, lotions, balms, hair masks and body butters.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics and skincare, emollients work by filling in the tiny gaps between skin cells on the surface of the stratum corneum, creating a smoother, more even texture. They form a light, breathable layer that reduces water loss and improves the spreadability and luxurious feel of creams, serums and hair products. Unlike humectants that draw moisture in, emollients primarily soften and condition, making them essential in both leave-on moisturisers and rinse-off cleansing balms popular with British beauty routines.
Key benefits
- Softens rough or dry patches
- Improves skin smoothness and texture
- Enhances product spreadability
- Leaves skin feeling supple and comfortable
- Helps restore a healthy-looking skin barrier
- Conditions and smooths dry or frizzy hair
Best for
dry skin, dehydrated skin, sensitive skin, mature skin, rough or flaky skin
Where it comes from
Emollients can be derived from many natural sources including plant oils and butters such as shea, cocoa, almond and jojoba, as well as fatty acids from coconut and olive. Mineral-derived emollients such as petroleum jelly and lanolin from sheep’s wool are also widely used in traditional British formulations.