Collection: Humectant Ingredients

Humectants are used in cosmetics for their natural properties - the most important of which is their natural moisture-retaining ability. These vital ingredients attract and bind water. When used in skincare, they draw water from the deeper layers of the skin to the outermost layer. If air humidity is higher than 70%, they also draw water from the surrounding environment to the skin.

In haircare, humectants perform a similar function. They attract water to the hair shaft, helping keep it hydrated – making them hugely popular in almost all moisturising or conditioning product formulas.

Beyond this, some humectants boast further benefits - including an innate ability to balance pH levels and gently remove dead skin. Sodium lactate (one of our personal favourites here at The Soapery) can even serve as a preservative enhancer, helping keep our makers’ natural cosmetic creations fresh.

Whilst there’s a long list of natural humectants out there, there are also synthetic options on the market. Which works best for you ultimately comes down to two things: your recipe, and your personal preferences. 

Here at The Soapery, we like to keep things natural where possible, so highly recommend making use of nature’s powerful humectants in your cosmetics. Some of our staff favourites include sodium lactate, honey, and oats. Sodium lactate is derived from the natural fermentation of sugar found in corn, beetroot or other plant-based sugars.

Ever wondered why so many cosmetics recipes contain honey? From lip balm to body butter, this all-natural ingredient seems to pop up everywhere - but why? Well - honey just so happens to be a humectant, meaning its natural properties allow it to lock moisture into the skin.  It also boasts antibacterial properties - making it an excellent choice for any skincare product.

In addition to its hydrating and antibacterial abilities, honey also contains antioxidants that can help to protect the skin from damage.

In need of some honey-based cosmetic recipes? Whether you’re a hobbyist or a soap making professional, our blog has the tips and tricks you’ll need to craft your next masterpiece. 

Understanding the roles and abilities of humectants and emollients is pivotal to creating the perfect formula.

On the one hand, humectants, such as glycerine and hyaluronic acid, are moisture-retaining agents. They draw water from their surroundings or deeper layers of the skin, ensuring hydration is maintained at the surface. On the other hand, emollients, like shea butter and jojoba oil, serve as moisturising agents. They fill spaces between skin cells, forming a protective barrier that locks in the moisture.

These two ingredients are often used together in formulas to ensure long-lasting hydration – with the humectant providing hydration, and the emollient sealing it in.

The way humectants, such as sodium lactate and honey, work depends on the environment they’re used in. In most contexts, they draw water from the deeper layers of your skin and hair, keeping them hydrated from the inside. In higher humidity environments, these magical ingredients are able to pull moisture from the air itself, essentially functioning as a hydration magnet! Either way, this ability is rooted in humectants’ hydrophilic nature. 

Humectants also help the body shed dead skin cells in the area of application, further preventing the appearance of flaking or chapped skin. They do this by gently breaking down the proteins holding dead cells together. 

Humectants, whilst a hugely common ingredient in cosmetics and toiletries, can also be found in haircare products - particularly those made for curly hair, conditioning, or general hydration! Essentially, their role in the haircare world is, again, to attract and retain moisture - preventing dry, brittle hair and breakage where possible. 

In products like conditioners, humectants draw water molecules from their surrounding environment, coating hair strands with moisture for as long as they’re present. They’re often credited with providing an increased sense of softness and strength. 

Hair conditioning products’ main purpose lies in softening and smoothing the hair - keeping it, as their name suggests, in tip-top condition. Humectants can play a huge role in this thanks to their innate abilities - primarily moisture-locking and hydration. 

In simple terms, these ingredients keep hair hydrated and moisturised by drawing water from the air into the hair shaft - whether in the shower, during a masking treatment, or even throughout the day. This is especially important when it comes to dry or damaged hair, as it can help to repair and revitalise - resulting in a healthy, shiny look after correct and continued use.

Many cosmetic recipes call for the use of multiple humectants. In general, this is done to enhance the end-product's overall moisture-retaining capacity, ensuring that the skin or hair remains well-hydrated for extended periods. Glycerine and hyaluronic acid, for example, are a common combination – the former working as a general-purpose humectant, and the latter to retain water.

Keep in mind that when blending multiple humectants, it's crucial to understand their individual characteristics and consider their concentrations to maintain a balanced formula. 

Here at The Soapery, we believe proper storage is key to keeping your humectants in great condition. In order to enjoy their moisture-locking benefits for as long as possible, we highly recommend keeping them in their original packaging away from direct sunlight. Your pantry or making storage cupboards can be great places to keep them - just make sure they're not too close to heat sources such as your oven or radiator.

It's also important to make sure that your humectants are properly sealed and capped to prevent oxidation and contamination. This will ensure that they retain their potency and effectiveness for as long as possible.