Skin hydrators vs. moisturizers

You might have seen the words “hydrating” and “moisturizer” on skin care products, but what is the difference between a hydrator and a moisturizer? Is a moisturizer hydrating? Are both types of ingredients essential? Even though these terms are often used interchangeably, and both have the same goal, they are not exactly the same.

According to board-certified dermatologist Sanober Pezad Doctor, “Think of a hydrator as a type of moisturizer. While a moisturizer can perform many functions based on the ingredients it contains, it essentially forms a seal over the skin. A hydrator’s primary function is to absorb moisture, especially from the environment, and provide higher moisture levels to keep the skin supple.”¹

Many products contain both hydrators and moisturizers. The foundation of proper skin care is understanding which ingredients perform which functions.

In this article:

The science behind dry skin

Dry skin, otherwise known as xerosis, happens when water is lost too quickly, usually in the topmost layer of the skin called the stratum corneum.² Water content makes skin smooth, bouncy and pliable.

Skin needs the right amount of water and oils to function properly, as it is the first line in your body’s defense against environmental pollutants or pathogens.

The causes of dry skin

Dry skin can be caused by a number of different factors. Some may be environmental factors out of your control, like the weather or humidity levels. Others may be products you use, like soaps, body washes or even detergents that can strip the skin of moisture or cause irritation. Sometimes dry skin can even be a side effect of other conditions caused by medications or the natural process of aging.³

How to know if your skin is dry

Dry skin usually manifests in a variety of physical symptoms that can be felt and seen. Skin that cannot hold enough moisture will appear rough, scaly, patchy or even flaky. Those with dry skin may experience itchiness or even pain or burning to the touch when products are applied because of increased sensitivity from a compromised skin barrier. Sometimes skin can be so dry that it will even form deep cracks.⁴

All about skin hydrators

A hydrator helps the skin absorb water from the environment. The amount of water your skin cells hold determines texture and elasticity.⁵

How hydrators work

Hydrators work by attracting moisture from the air and drawing water deeper into the layers of the skin, from the epidermis to the dermis. Hyaluronic acid is one example of a hydrator that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, meaning it can help dehydrated skin attract and retain much more water.⁶

Common hydrating ingredients

Hydrators are ingredients called humectants. Some of the most common ones are hyaluronic acid, glycerin and aloe vera. Other humectants include:⁷

• Honey
• Beta-glucan
• Urea
• Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic or lactic acid
• Phytic acid
• Sorbitol
• Aluminum and sodium lactate
• Panthenol
• Gelatin
• Propylene glycol
• Butylene glycol

All about skin moisturizers

If hydrators work to draw moisture into the skin, moisturizers are all about retention. Moisturizers can work in tandem with hydrators and help maintain plump, smooth skin.

How moisturizers work

Moisturizers put moisture in the skin and help prevent water from leaving the skin. They can come in a variety of formats from water-based, lighter gels to thicker, oil-based creams.⁸

Common moisturizing ingredients

Common moisturizer ingredients include occlusives such as petrolatum, mineral oils, nut and seed oils, lanolin, waxes such as beeswax, and butters like shea butter. Other common ingredients are plant-derived oils such as jojoba oil, coconut oil, squalane, zinc oxide and silicones.⁹

Can I use both? A two-in-one?

The simple answer when it comes to building a personalized skin care routine is to make it a goal to use both a hydrator (to hydrate) and a moisturizer (to lock in moisture). Most skin care products will usually contain both hydrating and moisturizing ingredients.

However, depending on your skin type and whether you’re trying to fix certain issues, you can focus on hydrators vs. moisturizers.

“It is important to remember that while hydrators can absorb moisture from the environment, they are also capable of absorbing moisture from the skin,” said Dr. Doctor. “Hence, the most efficient way is to apply your topical, containing hydrating and moisturizing ingredients, to moist or damp skin.”¹⁰

When to use a skin hydrator

Dehydrated skin is often confused with dry skin. When skin is dehydrated, it means the uppermost layer of the skin is losing more water than it is absorbing.

When dehydrated, skin may have a dull appearance or lack structure, making it more prone to fine lines and wrinkles.¹¹ It may also feel tough or stiff. A hydrator can help restore the balance of water in your skin.

When to use a moisturizer

Dry skin is caused by a lack of adequate sebum production and can come from environmental factors or genetics.¹² It often manifests in some of the same symptoms as dehydrated skin, such as dullness.

Dry skin may also cause itchiness, scaly or flaky skin, and sensitivity to conditions like eczema or psoriasis. If you have dry skin, it’s important to repair the skin barrier with a moisturizer.¹³

Is it okay to use both?

Generally, using both hydrators and moisturizers is perfectly fine and even beneficial to support skin health. Just make sure you apply your hydrators first, then lock in with a moisturizer.¹⁴

Picking what’s right for your skin

Choosing the right hydrator

If you have dehydrated skin, choose a hydrator that will attract water and infuse your skin with the moisture it needs. Make sure to apply the product over moist skin. Hydrating products are also lighter and great for those who have oily skin and don’t want heavy formulas.¹⁵

Consider products such as:

• L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum
• Vichy Mineral 89 Hydrating Face Serum with Hyaluronic Acid
• Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

Choosing the right moisturizer

There are many moisturizers on the market, but choosing the best one will depend on how dry your skin is. Thicker moisturizers will provide a better barrier to maintain moisture but may not be the best choice for those with oily or acne-prone skin.¹⁶

Consider products such as:

• La Roche-Posay Body Moisturizer, Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair for Dry Skin with Niacinamide
• CeraVe Healing Ointment Skin Protectant
• Eucerin Roughness Relief Body Lotion
• Vanicream Moisturizing Cream

Skin care best practices

Taking care of your skin starts from the inside out — no matter what products you use, drinking enough water to hydrate your entire body may help support healthy skin.¹⁷

Controlling environmental factors that may dry out your skin, such as exposure to cold weather, hot showers or unprotected sun exposure, can also alleviate the severity of dry skin. Avoid overly harsh body washes and soaps, use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect against sun exposure, and tailor your products to your skin’s needs.¹⁸

Final thoughts on hydrators vs. moisturizers

Keeping skin both hydrated and moisturized is one of the easiest ways to help ensure skin looks and feels its best. You can adjust your routine according to your needs if you tend to be drier or oilier during certain times of the year.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need moisturizer or a hydrator?

Generally, it depends on your skin issues — dehydrated skin that has trouble holding water needs a hydrator, and dry skin that produces less sebum needs a moisturizer. Both are beneficial, and many products include both hydrating and moisturizing ingredients.

What goes first: moisturizer or hydrator?

Apply your hydrator first. Moisturizer goes last to lock in hydration and form a protective barrier to prevent water loss.¹⁹

What do hydrators do for the skin?

Hydrators attract moisture to the surface of the skin and pull water deeper into the second layer, providing a plumping effect.²⁰

What is the main difference between a hydrator and a moisturizer?

A hydrator increases the amount of water in the skin, and a moisturizer seals it in.

Can I use both a hydrator and a moisturizer in my skin care routine?

Yes! In fact, it is recommended to use both hydrating and moisturizing products in skin care routines to help maximize benefits such as increased skin suppleness, maintaining a healthy skin barrier, preventing the development of fine lines and wrinkles, and improved texture.²¹

This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.