As estrogen levels fall during menopause, your body creates less elastin, keratin, and collagen – three important proteins that help your skin retain moisture and give it structure. Understanding the difference between hydrating and moisturizing ingredients becomes crucial for developing an effective anti-aging skincare routine that addresses these hormonal changes.
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
1. CICA (Centella Asiatica) - The Anti-Aging Powerhouse
Rich in anti-inflammatories, antioxidants, and antibacterial properties, Cica has been shown to fight off free radicals, regulate collagen synthesis, and prevent future damage from environmental stressors. Sometimes known as Gotukola, it has been used as an effective anti-aging ingredient, due to its ability to induce the synthesis of type I collagen, whose amount in the skin decreases with age.
This miracle ingredient is particularly beneficial for menopausal skin, as with its collagen-boosting and antioxidant powers, cica can help lessen anti-aging concerns like fine lines and wrinkles. CICA's soothing properties make it ideal for sensitive, hormone-fluctuating skin during menopause.
2. Rosehip Seed Oil - Nature's Anti-Aging Elixir
This botanical powerhouse delivers essential fatty acids and antioxidants that effectively address aging concerns. Rosehip seed oil penetrates deeply, providing intense hydration while its omega fatty acids nourish and strengthen the moisture barrier. With high vitamin C content, it stimulates collagen production, improving elasticity and reducing fine lines and wrinkles - key concerns during menopause.
Product Recommendation: Experience the highest quality of CICA and Rosehip Seed Oil in Empress Natural's AM Anti-Aging Face Serum, part of the AM/PM Serum Set, perfect for mature skin seeking intensive hydrating and anti-aging benefits.
3. Vegan Squalane Oil - Lightweight Anti-Aging Hydration
Squalane is an 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.
At Empress Naturals, we use Vegan Squalane Oil as part of our intense hydrating PM Serum, Luxe Night Elixir.
4. Ceramides - Barrier Repair for Aging Skin
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. Ceramides play a crucial role in maintaining skin's natural moisture barrier, which becomes compromised during menopause. These lipid molecules are naturally present in the outermost layer of the skin, known as the stratum corneum.
5. Jojoba Seed Oil - Biomimetic Moisturizer
Jojoba oil is moisturizing, antibacterial, oil-controlling and technically a liquid wax that closely mimics human sebum. This makes it exceptionally compatible with mature skin, providing deep hydration without clogging pores while helping to balance natural oil production that changes during menopause.
At Empress Naturals, we use Jojoba Seed Oil in our intense hydrating PM Serum, Luxe Night Elixir.
6. Vitamin E (Tocopherol) - Antioxidant Protection
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.
At Empress Naturals, we use Vegan Squalane Oil as part of our intense hydrating PM Serum, Luxe Night Elixir.
7. 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.
8. Safflower Oil - Lightweight Hydration
Rich in linoleic acid, safflower oil is particularly beneficial for mature skin as it helps restore the skin barrier and provides lightweight, non-comedogenic hydration. Its high vitamin E content offers antioxidant protection while maintaining skin elasticity.
9. Pomegranate Oil - Regenerating Powerhouse
Pomegranate oil contains unique fatty acids that promote skin regeneration and provide deep hydration. Its antioxidant properties help protect against environmental damage while supporting collagen production - essential for maintaining firmness in mature skin.
10. Glycerin - Multi-Tasking Humectant
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.
Empress Naturals’ Menopause and Perimenopause Skincare
At Empress Naturals, we believe in year-round wellness and skin nourishment, healing, and repair focused on perimenopause and menopause care. Our Rosehip oil-based skincare line is meticulously formulated by industry experts that cater to the specific needs of mature skin ensuring ageless radiance and luminous skin.
Our Best-selling products - Anti-aging Face Serum and Luxe Night Elixir Serum are all you need to cover the essentials when it comes to aging skin.
Our mission is to provide 100% pure and organic skincare products that make you feel incredible in your skin, regardless of what stage it is at. We carefully cultivate our ingredients from sustainable farms worldwide that harvest the highest quality without the use of hazardous preservatives or pesticides. Our products are non-toxic, clean, cruelty-free, and formulated with 100% Organic ingredients.
Experience the power of clean skincare and wellness with Empress Naturals.
*Disclaimer: We highly recommend that you contact a trained health professional, before introducing any products into your routine especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
