EMOLLIENT - 2 reference results
Emollients are substances that soften and soothe the skin. They are used to correct dryness and scaling of the skin. They are a key component in the manufacture of lipstick, lotions, and other cosmetic products.
The terms "moisturizer" (something that adds moisture) and "emollient" (something that softens) are sometimes used interchangeably, as they describe different effects of these agents on the skin. However, the term emollient is most often used to describe single ingredients, whereas "moisturizer" describes finished products.
Mechanism of action
Emollients have three basic properties:- Occlusion - providing a layer of oil on the surface of the skin to slow water loss and thus increase the moisture content of the stratum corneum
- Humectant - increasing the water-holding capacity of the stratum corneum
- Lubrication - adding slip or glide across the skin.
See also
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Last updated on Wednesday September 17, 2008 at 22:28:05 PDT (GMT -0700)
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This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.
Last updated on Wednesday September 17, 2008 at 22:28:05 PDT (GMT -0700)
View this article at Wikipedia.org - Edit this article at Wikipedia.org - Donate to the Wikimedia Foundation
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