What are the best ingredients in a moisturiser for dry skin? Our top 6 hydrators

Summary:

• Shea butter and cocoa butter
• Coconut oil
• Argan oil
• Honey, royal jelly and propolis
• Hyaluronic acid
• Glycolic acid

##Shea butter and cocoa butter: The rich moisturiser for silky skin##

The first 3 ingredients on our list are emollients. Emollients add a layer of protection to your skin that minimises water loss. Shea butter and cocoa butter both contain fatty acids, which work to improve moisture retention and skin elasticity. Shea butter is a good source of both vitamins A and E, which help to repair skin damage, while cocoa butter is great for soothing sensitive skin. Treat your skin to the nourishing goodness of Shea Butter by adding the Garnier Winter Cocoon Nourishing Cold Cream to your daily routine. This face cream locks in your skin’s moisture and gives your skin some much needed nourishment.

##Coconut oil: The natural wonder for nourished skin##

Coconut oil is commonly used in cooking, but did you know that it also contains vitamin E, essential amino acids and lauric acid? These help to restore your skin’s natural barrier function, while the antioxidants help to protect your skin’s anti-pollution defences. Like other emollients, it absorbs quickly into the skin and has a protective, smoothing effect to help maintain softness.

##Argan oil: The versatile ingredient for skin repair##

You might’ve heard of argan oil for your hair, but it also has many benefits for your skin. In addition to protecting skin against UV damage and free radicals, it also contains omega fatty acids and carotenoids, which help to repair cell membranes and heal *dry, damaged skin*.

##Hyaluronic acid: The dry skin saviour for retaining water##

The remaining 3 ingredients for dry skin on our list are humectants. They work by bonding with water molecules to increase the skin’s water content. Hyaluronic acid molecules have a unique ability to attract and retain more than 1,000 times their weight in water, making them an ideal *ingredient for dry skin*. What’s more, some newer forms of hyaluronic acid actually encourage your skin to increase its own production of the substance!

##Honey, royal jelly and propolis: The protective ingredient for all kinds of skin woes##

Wondering what the humble bee could possibly do for your skincare routine? Bees produce a number of by-products like honey, royal jelly, and bee propilis that are *great for moisturising dry skin*. Creams that contain a blend of royal jelly cream with honey and bee propolis soften, nourish, protect, and repair your skin.

##Glycolic acid: The skin exfoliator for better hydration##

Glycolic acid is an exfoliating acid, which works to dissolve dry skin cells. As a result, not only will your dry skin look smoother, but any hydrating products you apply afterwards will penetrate deeper! Like other humectants, it can draw water to the surface in two different ways, either by pulling water from a humid environment or by drawing water from the lower layers of your skin to the surface.

If your dry skin is also easily irritated, you are most likely dealing with sensitive skin. And in such cases, it is very important to choose the right ingredients that will prevent your sensitive skin from getting triggered. Here is a handy guide to understand What Types Of Ingredients Can Help You Soothe Your Sensitive Skin