Emollients are supple, lubricating and thickening agents that prevent epidermal water loss and have a softening and soothing effect on the skin.
They can be natural, like plant oils; manufactured, like silicones; or processed from a natural substance, like mineral oil.
Examples of emollients incude:
- cetearyl alcohol
- isopropyl myristate
- triglycerides
- myristic acid
- palmitic acid
- PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil
- glyceryl linoleate
- cyclomethicone
- dimethicone
- hexyl laurate
- isohexadecane
- methyl glucose sesquioleate
- decyl oleate
- stearic acid
- octyldodecanol
- lanolin
- hydrogenated plant oils
- shea butter
- cocoa butter