What Are Humectants and Why They're in Our Hand Sanitizer | Muse Health

With a better understanding of what humectants are, it’s time to take a deeper look at our formula. At Muse Health, we understood and acknowledged the need to incorporate ingredients that kept skin hydrated even after multiple uses. After intensive research and consideration, the inclusion of glycerin in our formulation allowed us to find the perfect balance between killing the bacteria on your hands while preserving the skin.

Glycerin is a humectant that occurs naturally in the skin, making its integration into the skin much easier. Glycerin is present in all naturally occurring lipids. These lipids are normally separated into two categories: animal and vegetable. Glycerin is taken from those sources through the process of hydrolysis. Glycerin can also be synthetically manufactured.

Like other humectants, glycerin is a skin-replenishing ingredient. It helps to establish and in some cases reestablish normal balance and hydration on the skin. Glycerin is one of the substances at the forefront of maintaining the skin's healthy look and texture. As it comes in contact with the skin, it helps create a protective bubble, locking in and absorbing moisture. In other words, glycerin is the king of hydration. When combined and used alongside emollients, essential oils, or hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, its effects become more potent.

Our formula also includes emollients like vitamin E which help to soften the skin.

What are humectants?

By definition, a humectant is a hygroscopic substance that is used to keep things hydrated and moist. Employed in several different industries including, food, pesticides, and cosmetics. Hydroscopy is described as the phenomenon of attracting and retaining water molecules. This retention can occur either through direct absorption or through environmental absorption.

Humectants are water-loving and attract water by locking it into or underneath the surface of an object or organism. Although used in several industries, in the cosmetic world, humectants are so useful because they maintain and increase moisture in the hair and skin. There are several different humectants but all have very similar hydroxyl groups and configurations. This allows humectants to participate in hydrogen bonding, resulting in moisture being trapped in the epidermis. The presence of moisture makes the skin more elastic and appear healthier.

If you were to compare humectants to an object, they would be a magnet. Humectants occur in the skin naturally which is why they are sometimes referred to as Natural Hydrating Factors (NHF). When it comes to the topic of NHF, the amount that your skin has is heavily influenced by genetics. This means that there are certain people who are more predisposed to dry skin. Other factors that can influence your NHF are diet, lifestyle, and the environment.

Humectants used in our hand sanitizer

With a better understanding of what humectants are, it’s time to take a deeper look at our formula. At Muse Health, we understood and acknowledged the need to incorporate ingredients that kept skin hydrated even after multiple uses. After intensive research and consideration, the inclusion of glycerin in our formulation allowed us to find the perfect balance between killing the bacteria on your hands while preserving the skin.

Glycerin is a humectant that occurs naturally in the skin, making its integration into the skin much easier. Glycerin is present in all naturally occurring lipids. These lipids are normally separated into two categories: animal and vegetable. Glycerin is taken from those sources through the process of hydrolysis. Glycerin can also be synthetically manufactured.

Like other humectants, glycerin is a skin-replenishing ingredient. It helps to establish and in some cases reestablish normal balance and hydration on the skin. Glycerin is one of the substances at the forefront of maintaining the skin's healthy look and texture. As it comes in contact with the skin, it helps create a protective bubble, locking in and absorbing moisture. In other words, glycerin is the king of hydration. When combined and used alongside emollients, essential oils, or hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, its effects become more potent.

Our formula also includes emollients like vitamin E which help to soften the skin.

The importance of humectants in hand sanitizer

While the most important ingredient in a hand sanitizer is alcohol, when it comes to hand maintenance, humectants are vastly important. Without them, using hand sanitizers would leave your hands looking and feeling very dry. When a hand sanitizer comes in contact with the skin, it attacks bacteria by breaking down its cell walls. During this process, nutrients and important oils are removed from the skin. This leaves the hand free of germs but also naked.

When a humectant is added to a formulation, while alcohol is killing bacteria, it prevents moisture from seeping through. This combination of aggression (from alcohol) and passiveness (from humectants), creates a balance. Although there are moisturizers and lotions on the market, having a hand sanitizer that provides hydration in its formula makes it much easier and appealing to use.

Look out for humectants

Humectants are naturally occurring in the skin and depending on several factors, you may have a predisposition to dehydration. In the world of hand sanitizers, humectants play an invaluable role in keeping skin hydrated. And while there are several hand sanitizer brands to choose from, make it a priority to look for those who include humectants in its formulation.

With the covid pandemic, and other illnesses to worry about, hand hygiene and sanitizing practices help to mitigate risks. Make sure to wash your hands and acquire skincare products that moisturize. Dry hands leave you more susceptible to cuts and infections. If you want to learn more about the importance of moisturizing, click here. Humectants help to minimize the risk of damage occurring.