HYDRATION SCIENCE
Why hydration balance matters
Hydration is essential to skin that looks healthy, feels comfortable and functions effectively. Well-hydrated skin is generally smoother, more supple and better able to maintain its natural protective barrier.
The skin continuously gains and loses water through normal physiological processes. Factors such as environmental conditions, ageing, cleansing and barrier integrity can all influence how well moisture is retained.
Maintaining hydration balance is therefore a key objective of modern cosmetic formulation. Rather than simply adding moisture, well-designed formulations help attract, retain and reduce the loss of water to support healthy-looking skin.
At FIGGI, hydration balance forms one of the three pillars of the Aspalux3™ formulation framework, working alongside barrier resilience and visible skin comfort to support balanced, resilient-looking skin.
THE SCIENCE
How skin maintains hydration
Healthy skin depends on a careful balance of water, natural moisturising factors and protective lipids. Together, these help maintain flexibility, smoothness and overall skin comfort.
Humectants attract water to the outer layers of the skin, while emollients and occlusive ingredients help reduce excessive moisture loss by supporting the skin barrier.
Because hydration and barrier function work closely together, modern cosmetic formulations are typically designed to support both rather than treating them as separate processes. Maintaining this balance helps skin feel softer, smoother and more comfortable throughout the day.
Why hydration balance matters
Hydrated skin is more than skin that simply contains water. It relies on a balance between moisture, the skin barrier and ingredients that help attract and retain water within the outer layers of the skin.
Well-formulated skincare can help maintain this balance by combining humectants, emollients and barrier-supporting ingredients that work together to reduce excessive moisture loss and improve overall skin comfort.
For this reason, hydration balance forms one of the three pillars of FIGGI's Aspalux3™ formulation framework, where it works alongside barrier resilience and visible skin comfort to support healthy-looking, comfortable skin.
FURTHER READING
Questions about skin hydration
What is skin hydration?
Skin hydration refers to the amount of water held within the outer layers of the skin. Well-hydrated skin typically feels softer, smoother and more comfortable.
Is hydration the same as moisturisation?
Not exactly. Hydration relates to the skin's water content, while moisturisation describes the combination of ingredients that help attract, retain and reduce the loss of that water.
What ingredients help support skin hydration?
Humectants such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid help attract water, while emollients and occlusive ingredients help reduce excessive moisture loss and support the skin barrier.
Why does skin become dehydrated?
Environmental conditions, low humidity, frequent cleansing, ageing and a weakened skin barrier can all contribute to increased moisture loss and dehydrated-feeling skin.
Why is hydration important for healthy-looking skin?
Maintaining hydration helps support skin comfort, smoothness, flexibility and the normal function of the skin barrier, contributing to healthy-looking skin.
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE
The information on this page is provided for educational purposes and reflects the current scientific understanding of skin hydration and cosmetic moisturisation. It should not be interpreted as medical advice or as evidence that cosmetic products diagnose, treat or prevent disease. References to hydrating ingredients describe recognised cosmetic functions within the framework of applicable cosmetic regulations.
Scientific References
The information presented on this page is based on established research into skin hydration, transepidermal water loss, moisturisation science and cosmetic formulation.
Scientific References
Skin Hydration Biology
- Rawlings AV, Harding CR. Moisturization and skin barrier function. Dermatologic Therapy.
- Verdier-Sévrain S, Bonté F. Skin hydration: a review on its molecular mechanisms. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.
- Fluhr JW, Darlenski R, Surber C. Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions. British Journal of Dermatology.
Natural Moisturising Factor (NMF)
- Rawlings AV, Scott IR, Harding CR, Bowser PA. Stratum corneum moisturization at the molecular level. Journal of Investigative Dermatology.
- Kezic S, et al. Levels of filaggrin degradation products are influenced by both filaggrin genotype and atopic dermatitis severity. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
- Harding CR. The stratum corneum: structure and function in health and disease. Dermatologic Therapy.
Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL)
- Alexander H, Brown S, Danby S, Flohr C. Research techniques made simple: transepidermal water loss measurement as a research tool. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 2018.
- Fluhr JW, Feingold KR, Elias PM. Transepidermal water loss reflects permeability barrier status. Experimental Dermatology.
- Pinnagoda J, Tupker RA, Agner T, Serup J. Guidelines for transepidermal water loss measurement. Contact Dermatitis.
Humectants and Moisturisation
- Loden M. Role of topical emollients and moisturizers in the treatment of dry skin barrier disorders. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology.
- Draelos ZD. The science behind skin care: moisturizers. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.
- Nolan K, Marmur E. Moisturizers: reality and the skin benefits. Dermatologic Therapy.
Skin Barrier Function
- Proksch E, Brandner JM, Jensen JM. The skin: an indispensable barrier. Experimental Dermatology. 2008.
- Elias PM. Stratum corneum defensive functions: an integrated view. Journal of Investigative Dermatology.
- Madison KC. Barrier function of the skin: “la raison d’être” of the epidermis. Journal of Investigative Dermatology.
Cosmetic Formulation Science
- Barel AO, Paye M, Maibach HI. Handbook of Cosmetic Science and Technology.
- Draelos ZD. Cosmetic Dermatology: Products and Procedures.
- Surber C, Kottner J. Skin care products: what do they promise, what do they deliver. Journal of Tissue Viability.