Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) (NMF)

Stratum corneum water-binding sites refer to the collection of hygroscopic molecules, collectively known as the Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF), located within the corneocytes of the outermost skin layer (Verdier-Sévrain & Bonté, 2007). These sites are primarily composed of amino acids and their derivatives, such as pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA), along with urea, lactates, and sugars (Robinson et al., 2010). Their biological function is to maintain skin hydration by attracting and holding water, which is essential for skin elasticity and the activity of hydrolytic enzymes required for desquamation (Rawlings & Harding, 2004). A reduction in these water-binding sites is a hallmark of various dermatological conditions, including atopic dermatitis and xerosis, often resulting from filaggrin deficiency (Brown & McLean, 2012). Therapeutic strategies involve the topical application of humectants like urea and glycerin that mimic NMF components to restore hydration and barrier function (StatPearls, 2023). These agents work by increasing the water-holding capacity of the stratum corneum, thereby improving the physical properties of the skin (NCBI, 2023).

Other names

Stratum corneum water-binding sitesCorneocyte water-binding sitesHygroscopic substances of the stratum corneumNMF components

Humectancy: attracting and binding water molecules within the stratum corneum to increase hydration and restore barrier integrity.