10 Hydrating Skincare Ingredients That Will Actually Help Moisturize Your Skin

Achieving glowing and healthy-looking skin requires effective moisturization, but finding the right product can be a bit complex. It's important to understand the distinction between hydrating and moisturizing ingredients.

Hydrating ingredients add water into the skin, while moisturizing ingredients work to retain that hydration by preventing water loss through evaporation. 

While many moisturizers contain a combination of both types of ingredients, this isn't always the case. Hydrating serums, for example, primarily focus on providing hydration and may require additional products to seal that moisture into the skin. 

The ideal blend of hydrating and moisturizing ingredients depends on your skin type and specific concerns.

Dry skin often requires both hydrating and moisturizing ingredients, whereas oily skin may need to avoid heavy occlusive moisturizers to prevent breakouts. However, all skin types can benefit from some level of moisturization. 

Read our blog on Hydration vs Moisturization to do a deeper dive into identifying the products you need based on your skin type. 

We have compiled a list of hydrating ingredients that are sure to help you hydrate from the inside so you can look fresh and radiant regardless of the season. 

Top 10 Hydrating Skincare Ingredients

Rosehip Seed Oil

This natural botanical is a powerhouse of essential fatty acids and antioxidants, effectively quenching your skin's thirst and restoring its youthful glow. It penetrates deeply, delivering intense hydration to the skin. The omega fatty acids nourish and strengthen the moisture barrier, preventing water loss and promoting long-lasting hydration. With its high vitamin C content, it stimulates collagen production, improving elasticity and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. 

Try the highest quality and 100% pure Rosehip Seed Oil in Empress Natural’s Serum Set.

Squalane

Squalane is a trendy and innovative skincare ingredient that is derived from squalene, a natural compound found in our skin, specifically in the sebaceous glands. These glands produce sebum, the oily substance that moisturizes and protects the skin. Unlike sebum, squalane has a lightweight texture and works as an emollient, effortlessly absorbing into the skin. It provides a non-greasy feel while effectively moisturizing and nourishing the skin.

Find Squalane oil in Empress Naturals’ intense hydrating serum Luxe Night Elixir 

Sunflower Oil

With its essential fatty acids, sunflower oil deeply nourishes and moisturizes the skin, quickly absorbing without greasiness. It is rich in antioxidants like vitamin E, combating free radicals and promoting a youthful glow.

Sunflower oil supports the skin's natural barrier, preventing water loss and locking in moisture for a radiant complexion. 

Find Organic Sunflower Oil in Empress Natural’s intense hydrating serum Luxe Night Elixir 

Vitamin E

This potent antioxidant dives deep into the skin, providing moisture to even the driest complexions. It locks in hydration, promoting a plump and dewy appearance while protecting against free radicals.

Vitamin E repairs and strengthens the skin's barrier, preventing moisture loss and leaving the skin soft, supple, and rejuvenated. 

Find Vitamin E oil in Empress Naturals’ intense hydrating serum Luxe Night Elixir 

Prickly Pear Seed Oil

Enriched with essential fatty acids and antioxidants, this potent elixir delivers deep and long-lasting hydration, leaving the skin nourished and supple.

It retains moisture due to high water-binding compounds, and its lightweight texture ensures optimal moisture retention without greasiness.

Prickly pear seed oil replenishes the skin's moisture barrier, effectively combating dryness, and improves elasticity, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Try our Naked Collection 100% Pure Moroccan Gold Prickly Pear Seed Oil in your nighttime routine.

Cucumber Extract

Supported by scientific evidence, cucumber extract provides refreshing moisture to the skin. Its high water content makes it an excellent hydrating ingredient.

Packed with antioxidants and vitamins, including vitamin C and caffeic acid, it soothes and nourishes the skin, promoting a healthy complexion.

Cucumber extract revitalizes tired and dull skin, leaving it refreshed and revitalized, thanks to its cooling and soothing properties. It absorbs quickly, providing immediate hydration without greasiness.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is known for its hydrating properties and its ability to provide moisture to the skin. It contains a gel-like substance that is rich in water content, making it an excellent natural hydrator.

When applied to the skin, aloe vera forms a protective layer that helps to lock in moisture, preventing it from evaporating. It also helps to replenish and retain the skin's natural moisture balance.

Additionally, aloe vera contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can further support the overall health and hydration of the skin.

Coconut Oil

It is a popular natural ingredient that is known for its moisturizing properties. It is rich in fatty acids, including lauric acid, which can penetrate the skin and create a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss.

When applied topically, coconut oil helps to replenish the skin's natural oils and lock in moisture. It has emollient properties that soften and smooth the skin's texture.

Coconut oil also contains antioxidants, such as vitamin E, which can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and environmental stressors.

Find Coconut Oil in Empress Naturals’ intense hydrating serum Luxe Night Elixir

Glycerin

Glycerin, classified as a humectant, possesses the remarkable ability to attract and retain moisture. When applied to the skin, glycerin acts as a magnet, drawing water from the environment or deeper layers of the skin towards the outermost layer.

Furthermore, glycerin forms a protective barrier on the skin's surface, preventing water loss through evaporation. This barrier function aids in maintaining optimal hydration levels and creating a smoother, more supple complexion.

Ceramides

Ceramides play a crucial role in hydrating the skin by maintaining its natural moisture barrier. These lipid molecules are naturally present in the outermost layer of the skin, known as the stratum corneum.

Ceramides work by filling in the gaps between skin cells, strengthening the intercellular matrix, and preventing water from evaporating. This helps to restore and maintain optimal hydration levels within the skin.

STAY HYDRATED WITH EMPRESS NATURALS

At Empress Naturals, we believe in year-round skin protection and healing and summer is no exception! 

Our skincare line is meticulously formulated to cater to the specific needs of mature skin. Our mission is to provide you with 100% pure and organic skincare products that make you feel incredible in your own skin.

We prioritize ingredients sourced directly from nature, ensuring ageless radiance and luminous skin without exposing your precious skin to the thousands of toxic ingredients that are still legally used in many products. 

In fact, our products, including the revered Rosehip Seed Oil, are safe to use even during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, although we recommend consulting with a medical professional.

Our products are non-toxic, clean, Leaping Bunny Certified Cruelty-Free with USDA Certified Organic ingredients. We carefully cultivate our ingredients from sustainable farms worldwide, without the use of hazardous preservatives. 

Experience the power of clean skincare with Empress Naturals.