Moisturizing effect

The moisturizing effect describes the process and outcome by which the water content of the skin, most importantly the stratum corneum, is optimized and maintained. This effect is achieved through multiple mechanisms—including occlusion, humectancy, enhancement of endogenous moisturizing factor production, and support of skin barrier lipid synthesis. The main biological aim is to prevent excessive transepidermal water loss (TEWL), maintain skin softness, promote barrier function, and protect against environmental damage. This effect is not mediated by a single molecular target, but by a network of molecules (e.g., filaggrin, ceramides, aquaporins), signaling pathways, and structural skin proteins as well as ingredients in topical skincare products such as glycerol, urea, and hyaluronic acid. As such, "moisturizing effect" is not a molecular target, but a clinical and physiological property of skin management and product action.

Other names

MoisturizationSkin hydrationMoisturizing actionEpidermal moisturization

Occlusion: forming a physical barrier that reduces water loss; Humectancy: attracting and binding water in the stratum corneum; Enhancement of natural moisturizing factors (NMF); Supporting synthesis and integrity of stratum corneum lipids; Modulation of aquaporins and water channels; pH modulation to maintain enzyme activity and barrier function