Ingredient Guide for Dry Skin

1. Humectants (Attract & Bind Moisture)

These ingredients help attract and retain water in the outer layers of the skin, helping maintain hydration.

• Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate, Multi-weight HA)

• Glycerin

• Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)

• Aloe Vera

• Urea (Low % 2–5%)

• Beta-glucan

• Sodium PCA

• Trehalose

  
  

2. Emollients (Smooth & Soften Skin)

These help soften and smooth the appearance of dry, rough skin by improving skin surface texture.

• Squalane

• Jojoba Oil

• Shea Butter

• Cocoa Butter

• Ceramide-friendly esters (e.g., Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride)

• Fatty Acids (Linoleic, Oleic, Stearic, Palmitic)

• Cholesterol

  
  

3. Occlusives (Lock in Moisture & Prevent Water Loss)

These help reduce water loss from the skin surface by forming a protective layer.

• Petrolatum (Vaseline)

• Beeswax

• Lanolin

• Dimethicone & other silicones

• Mineral Oil

• Squalane (acts as both emollient + slight occlusive)

  
  

4. Barrier-Repair Ingredients

These help support the skin barrier and improve the appearance of dryness.

• Ceramides (NP, AP, EOP)

• Cholesterol

• Fatty Acids

• Niacinamide (2–5%)

• Phytosphingosine

• Oat Extract or Colloidal Oatmeal

  
  

5. Soothing & Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients

Ideal for dry, irritated, or sensitive skin.

• Centella Asiatica (CICA)

• Allantoin

• Bisabolol

• Green Tea Extract

• Calendula

• Licorice Root (also brightening)

  
  

6. Mild Exfoliants (Safe for Dry Skin)

Suitable exfoliating options for some dry skin types

• Lactic Acid (AHA) — hydrating exfoliant

• PHAs (Gluconolactone, Lactobionic Acid) — very gentle

• Enzymes (Papaya/Papain, Pineapple/Bromelain)

  
  

7. Advanced Hydration & Repair Actives

Advanced Hydration & Barrier-Supporting Ingredients

• Peptides

• Amino Acids

• Ceramide Complexes

• Repairing Ferments (Galactomyces, Saccharomyces)

• Ectoin

• Trehalose and Saccharides

PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES FOR DRY SKIN INGREDIENTS & SKIN BARRIER SUPPORT

Dermatology Textbooks

• Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L. Dermatology. 4th ed. Elsevier; 2018.

  Comprehensive reference covering skin barrier physiology, xerosis (dry skin), moisturisation, and topical skincare ingredients.

• Draelos ZD. Cosmetic Dermatology: Products and Procedures. 2nd ed. Wiley-Blackwell; 2015.

  Reviews evidence-based cosmetic ingredients including humectants, emollients, occlusives, ceramides, niacinamide, and moisturisers.

• Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 6th ed. Elsevier; 2016.

  Covers dry skin, barrier dysfunction, moisturiser selection, and topical skincare.

Peer-Reviewed Studies

• Rawlings AV, Harding CR. Moisturization and skin barrier function. Dermatologic Therapy. 2004;17(Suppl 1):43–48.

  Reviews the roles of humectants, emollients, occlusives, and barrier repair in maintaining skin hydration.

• Lodén M. Role of moisturizers in the treatment of dry skin: a review. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 2003;4(11):771–788.

  Reviews moisturiser ingredients including glycerin, urea, petrolatum, ceramides, fatty acids, and occlusive agents.

• Proksch E, Brandner JM, Jensen JM. The skin: an indispensable barrier. Experimental Dermatology. 2008;17(12):1063–1072. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0625.2008.00786.x.

  Discusses skin barrier biology, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and barrier-supportive lipids.

• Draelos ZD. The science of moisturizers. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2018;17(Suppl 1):138–144.

  Reviews the science behind moisturisers, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and barrier-supporting formulations.

• Gehring W. Nicotinamide in dermatology. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2004;3(2):88–93.

  Reviews the role of niacinamide in supporting skin barrier function and improving skin condition.

Ingredient-Specific Reviews

• Papakonstantinou E, Roth M, Karakiulakis G. Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermato-Endocrinology. 2012;4(3):253–258.

  Reviews the role of hyaluronic acid in skin hydration and moisture retention.

• Jung E, Kim SY, Hwang YS, et al. Beta-glucan improves skin hydration and barrier function. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 2011.

  Reviews the hydrating and soothing properties of beta-glucan.

• Levin J, Miller R. A guide to the ingredients and potential benefits of over-the-counter cleansers and moisturizers for rosacea patients. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. 2011;4(8):31–49.

  Discusses ceramides, glycerin, petrolatum, dimethicone, panthenol, colloidal oatmeal, and barrier-supporting ingredients suitable for dry and sensitive skin.