Moisturizers: What's in Them? How Do They Work?

Abstract

Dermatologists recommend moisturizers for a wide variety of dry skin conditions. All-purpose moisturizers, known as hand and body lotions, are effective in healing dry skin and have good aesthetics for patient acceptance and compliance. Current research on how moisturizers work by a four-phase physiological remoisturization process is reviewed. Specific ingredients and the pharmaceutical composition of moisturizers is discussed in detail. The overall frequency of reactions to moisturizers is low, with the possible exception of preservatives, and to a lesser degree, fragrances in these products.