An ingredient that's stood the test of time, jojoba oil is an emollient moisturizing ingredient, which means it creates a gentle seal over your skin to lock in hydration. It's so heralded in the beauty community because of how similar in consistency it is to our own sebum.
Jojoba oil is also rich in vitamins A, E, and D and boasts anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits. For a great formulation, try Alchimie Forever's Kantic+ Intensely Nourishing Cream, $79. In addition to deeply hydrating the skin, it can soothe your skin while helping reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
Honey is a powerful humectant, meaning it helps your skin absorb moisture from the environment and aids in retention, too. It's also an incredibly gentle ingredient with anti-inflammatory benefits and protective antioxidants. The entire Mymiel line — which was founded and formulated by two dermatologists at the Harvard hospitals — utilizes honey as a key ingredient. For example, the Day Dream Hydrating Creme, $56. This deeply nourishing moisturizer combines honey extracts with brightening chrysin, nourishing floral extracts, and hyaluronic acid. It has a unique whipped texture that feels silky and lightweight on your skin.
One of colloidal oatmeal's primary skin care benefits is that it calms the skin and reduces inflammation. It also is ideal for dryness because it binds to skin and protects a sort of protective shield that locks in moisture. Skyn Iceland Arctic Repair Cream, $42, utilizes an active level of colloidal oatmeal along with antioxidant-rich arctic oils, arctic algae, and gooseberry extract.
Shea butter, which comes from the shea nut, contains a supercharged concentration of fatty acids. This makes it a true hero ingredient when it comes to hydration. It also has the ability to soften and heal. Olay Regenerist Ultra Rich Face Moisturizer, $35.49, contains not only shea butter, but two other notable hydrating, nourishing ingredients: peptides and niacinamide (vitamin B3), which help further bolster the skin barrier and promote better hydration.
It might sound like a funny ingredient to spread on your body, but goat milk is a surprisingly beneficial skin care ingredient. It helps boost moisture levels in the skin while also fortifying the skin barrier. For a luxurious experience, try Beekman 1802 Pure Goat Milk Whipped Body Cream, $38, an intensive treatment that's also formulated with coconut oil, mango seed butter, aloe vera, and botanical extracts.
