The Best Moisturizer Ingredients
Written by: Bryan Barron
Medically Reviewed by: Corey L. Hartman MD Board-Certified Dermatologist
Updated on: 8/27/2024
In this article:
Must-have moisturizer ingredients
Antioxidants
Skin-replenishing ingredients
Emollients
Sunscreen
Packaging matters
There are endless recommendations for the "best" moisturizers with the latest must-have hydrating, protective and anti-aging ingredients. We’ve seen it all, product after product with astounding claims, and often even more astounding price tags.
All this noise can be overwhelming, leaving you scrambling to figure out what’s moisturizing fact vs. fiction. We want you only to look for formulas containing the most indispensable types of ingredients that research has clearly shown provide the most impressive results for all skin types, which is why we’re laying out an easy-to-follow guide of moisturizer must-haves below.
Must-have moisturizer ingredients
To truly alleviate dry skin, your moisturizer needs to contain the ingredient categories extensive research has shown have the most remarkable benefits for skin: antioxidants, skin-replenishers and emollients (1, 2, 3). By any standard, the research behind these groups is compelling and conclusive.
As we state often, there isn’t one or even twenty best ingredients for skin. Rather, there are dozens and dozens which is why we are going to describe the ingredients by category and provide a handful of specific examples. By no means are these the only beneficial ingredients; that’s what makes skin care so remarkable and regrettably so complicated—we are here to help you navigate the complexity.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants play a uniquely important role when it comes to alleviating dry skin. Dry skin is often the result of the destructive effects of sun exposure (one more reason to load up on your daily broad-spectrum sunscreen) and other environmental factors. This slowly chips away at skin’s natural ability to retain moisture. As this damage accumulates, skin gradually loses its ability to bounce back, renew itself and regain its smooth resilient surface.
Potent, stable antioxidants (and there are dozens and dozens) step in to help shield skin’s surface from further deterioration and defend against the effects of this environmental assault on the visible signs of aging (4). You can’t escape the environment, but you can help tame it.
For the best results, opt for a moisturizer formulated with multiple antioxidants to rejuvenate dry skin in numerous ways. As you can imagine here at Paula’s Choice Skincare, we love antioxidants and load all our leave-on products with an array of the ones we find to have the best research about their effectiveness. For example, our C5 Super Boost Moisturizer spotlights different forms of vitamin C, a potent antioxidant, to firm, brighten and protect skin.
A few fascinating antioxidants: Green tea extract, grape extract, resveratrol, vitamin C, vitamin E, niacinamide, epigallocatechin-3 gallate, superoxide dismutase, ferulic acid, quercetin, willow herb extract, feverfew extract, glutathione and licorice extract.
Skin-replenishing ingredients
Skin-replenishing ingredients help enrich skin’s surface, drenching it with revitalizing hydration and keeping it there. This stunning benefit helps skin look and feel soft, smooth and supple–the polar opposite of dry! For certain, these are a cornerstone of any moisturizer, but especially so for dry skin.
There are numerous skin-replenishing ingredients to consider, including hydration-boosting superstars hyaluronic acid, ceramides, sodium PCA, glycerin, glycerol, silicones, squalene, petrolatum and alpha hydroxy acids.
Emollients
Emollients are lubricating ingredients that thwart water loss and have beautiful softening, protective and smoothing effects on skin (5). This is key in maintaining dry skin’s moisture and silky, radiant texture!
Emollients may be fluid or thick in texture and include non-fragrant plant oils (never fragrant oils, which can be a disaster for skin) along with shea butter, cocoa butter, fatty acids, borage oil, linoleic acid, oleic acid, coconut oil, evening primrose oil, sunflower oil and mango butter.
Sunscreen
And of course, during the day, your moisturizer should contain broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30+. You knew we were going to say that, right?
All the moisturizers and anti-aging products in the world can’t keep up with the havoc unprotected sun exposure causes skin, even on a cloudy day. During daytime, the sun sees you even when you can’t see it. Unprotected sun exposure continually hammers away at your skin, hindering its ability to hold moisture in and replenish the vital substances dry skin needs to not be dry.
Make sure the label on your sunscreen says "broad spectrum" and apply it liberally to ensure you’re getting adequate protection. If you’re outside, make sure to reapply your SPF about every two hours! “People often ask which sunscreen is the best, but truthfully sunscreen is a personal choice that is affected by finish, smell, cast, etc.,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Corey L. Hartman. “In the end, the best sunscreen is the one that you’ll wear every day!”
Packaging matters
No matter how great a moisturizer’s formula is, jar packaging is always a deal breaker. As it turns out, most antioxidants and many other beneficial ingredients are sensitive to air and light. Jar packaging exposes the formula to these elements, causing them to break down and lose their effectiveness.
Check out examples of different types of airless/air-restrictive/opaque packaging that will help keep the beneficial ingredients potent and stable in Paula’s Choice moisturizers. These formulas also contain a generous mix of the ingredients detailed above!
Learn more about skin care ingredients.
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References for this information:
- International Journal of Molecular Sciences, January 2022, ePublication
- Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, January 2016, issue 1, supplemental, S24-37
- International Journal of Cosmetic Science, February 2022, pages 1-9
- Scientia Pharmaceutica, June 2020, ePublication
- International Journal of Cosmetic Science, December 2020, pages 605-614