Key Moisturizing Ingredients Commonly Used in Skincare Formulations

Moisturizing performance is at the center of most skincare concepts today. From facial cleansers to rich repair creams, consumers expect visible hydration, comfort and barrier support. For formulators, that means choosing the right mix of moisturizing ingredients and humectants for skincare rather than relying on a single “hero” component.

This page gives a practical overview of how moisturizing ingredients work in skincare, what to consider when designing hydrating formulas, and how TJCY’s portfolio can fit into different product types.

1. What Counts as a Moisturizing Ingredient?

In formulation work, “moisturizing” is not a single function. It usually comes from a combination of three main classes:

Humectants for skincare

Water-attracting ingredients that bind moisture in the stratum corneum. They help improve hydration levels and flexibility of the skin surface.

Emollients

Oily or lipid-like materials that smooth rough texture, improve slip and reduce the sensation of dryness or tightness.

Occlusives

Ingredients that form a semi-occlusive film on the skin, helping to slow down transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

Most moisturizers and cleansers use a blend of these functions. For example, a facial cleanser might combine mild surfactants with hydrophilic emollients, while a body lotion may combine humectants with ester emollients and a small amount of occlusive agents to lock in moisture.

2. Key Factors When Selecting Humectants for Skincare

When you design hydrating skincare, humectants and other moisturizing ingredients should be selected with clear criteria in mind:

Target skin type

Normal to slightly dry skin can usually be supported with lighter humectants and medium-weight emollients.

Very dry or compromised skin often needs a stronger emollient and occlusive phase alongside humectants.

Product format and use pattern

Rinse-off systems (cleansers, shampoos) have short contact time, so hydrophilic emollients that work within surfactant systems are key.

Leave-on systems (creams, lotions, serums) can carry higher levels of esters, oils and lanolin-based ingredients for longer-lasting conditioning.

Sensory expectations

Consumers pay close attention to skin feel:

Lightweight facial care typically requires fast-spreading, non-greasy emollients.

Seasonal or intensive products can accept richer textures and more cushion.

Regulatory and marketing requirements

Compatibility with regional regulations.

Positioning around mildness, origin, or long-term barrier support.

Label clarity and INCI declarations that support claims.

Stability and compatibility

Interaction with surfactants, emulsifiers and actives.

Oxidative stability for oil-phase components.

Robust behavior across the expected pH and temperature range.

With these points in mind, raw material selection becomes a structured process rather than trial-and-error.

3. TJCY Moisturizing Ingredient Groups for Skincare

TJCY supplies a focused range of moisturizing ingredients used across facial care, body care, cleansers and related personal care formats. For this overview, the portfolio is grouped into three practical categories that often appear together in formulation planning.