Ever wondered what the difference is between a moisturizer and an emollient? When buying cosmetics the terms are often used interchangeably, leaving most consumers scratching their heads and wondering which is better.
Well according to dermatologists, an emollient typically describes a single ingredient, whereas a moisturizer describes a finished product made up of several ingredients, including some emollients.
Additionally, moisturizers are generally used to combat dryness by adding moisture, while emollients are used to soften and soothe the skin.
Examples of emollient used in many over the counter moisturizers include Isopropyl Myristate, Myristic Acid and Cetearyl Alcohol. More natural emollients include Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter and Lanolin.
Beauty Tip: The best time to apply moisturizer is about five minutes after you have gotten out of the shower and your skin is still slightly damp. At this point your pores are still open and any crème applied will be locked in once your pores close.