West Virginia Cosmetology Board Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Glycerin and hyaluronic acid are both humectants, meaning they have the ability to attract water from the environment into the skin, helping to retain moisture effectively.

Glycerin is a well-known ingredient that can draw moisture from the air into the skin, making it an excellent choice in formulations aimed at keeping skin hydrated. Hyaluronic acid has a similar function; it can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, providing a plumping effect and keeping the skin moisturized.

While other ingredients listed may also contribute to skin hydration, they do not specifically serve the primary function of moisture retention in the same way that glycerin and hyaluronic acid do. For instance, while aloe vera is soothing and may offer some hydration, it does not possess the same moisture-attracting properties. Similarly, shea butter and squalane can provide emollient benefits but are more focused on skin barrier protection rather than direct moisture retention.

Understanding the role of humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid is essential for creating effective skincare products aimed at hydration.