| Mechanism of action |
Saturated & unsaturated hydrocarbons with variable length which improves skin barrier function, membrane fluidity and cell signaling, resulting in overall improvement of skin texture and appearance. Often combined with emulsifier |
Low molecular substances in majority, with capability to attract water into stratum corneum. Frequently used with other compounds which may retain the water content |
Consist of oils and waxes, forming an inactive layer on the skin surface to physically block water evaporation from the skin (transepidermal water loss) |
Small molecular weight proteins, believed to aid skin rejuvenation by replenishing skin’s essential proteins |
| Indication |
Routine skin care, dry and rough skin, papulosquamous skin disease |
Xerosis, ichthyosis |
Prevention of contact dermatitis, xerosis, atopic dermatitis |
Photodamaged skin, skin rejuvenation |
| Adverse effect |
Contact irritation (seldom) |
Irritation (lactic acid, urea) |
Oily application, cosmetically disagreeable, folliculitis (mineral oil), contact dermatitis (lanolin), acneiform eruption |
Contact dermatitis |
| Substance |
Fatty acids, fatty alcohols, cholesterol, squalene, pseudoceramides |
Urea, sorbitol, panthenol, glycerol, propylene glycol, hyaluronic acid, alpha hydroxy acids |
Mineral oil, petroleum jelly, beeswax, silicones, zinc oxide |
Collagen, elastin, keratin |
