What is an Occlusive? Occlusive vs. Humectant vs. Emollient

From lightweight lotions to rich ointments, moisturizers can come in many different forms, and depending on the ingredients, they can feel different on your skin while helping to hydrate, soften, or retain moisture. moisture. 

Understanding ingredients and the difference between occlusives, humectants, and emollients can help you choose moisturizing steps that make sense for you. In this guide, you’ll learn what an occlusive is, how it works, how it compares to humectants and emollients, and where it fits in your routine. 

In skincare, occlusives are a type of ingredient that helps form a protective layer on the skin’s surface¹. They do not add hydration to the skin, but they help slow moisture loss, so hydration does not evaporate as quickly.

Regardless of your skin type, skin can lose moisture throughout the day. Everyday factors, such as cold weather, indoor heat, frequent hand washing, and hot showers, can make this more noticeable². This is why an occlusive can be helpful when you want moisture to last longer, especially in areas of skin that tend to dry out quickly. Occlusives do this by helping slow the rate at which moisture leaves the skin’s surface, and by helping hold onto hydration from your other routine steps³.

Occlusives are commonly found in richer textures, like ointments, because ointments sit on top of the skin and help hold moisture in place⁴.

Aquaphor Healing Ointment^®  is unique in that it is a moisturizer containing powerful humectants and it forms a semi-occlusive barrier on the skin. As a whole, the formula helps to protect skin and retain moisture by forming a protective barrier, while also allowing excess moisture to escape and oxygen to flow in.  Aquaphor Healing Ointment^®’s formula also offers effective moisturizing properties that help attract and maintain hydration in the skin. By creating a semi-occlusive barrier on the skin that allows the outflow of excess fluid and the inflow of oxygen, it allows skin to ‘breathe’ and helps to create an ideal healing environment for the skin.

Occlusives can be a useful part of a routine when skin feels like it needs extra moisture support.

Occlusive skincare can be especially helpful when:

• Skin feels dry, tight, or uncomfortable from dryness⁵.
• Skin looks flaky or feels rough from dryness.
• The weather is cold or windy⁶.
• Indoor heat or low humidity makes skin feel drier than usual.
• You are washing your hands frequently⁶.

• Moisture retention: Helps slow moisture loss, so your skin can stay hydrated longer.
• Skin comfort: Supports a comfortable feeling when your skin is very dry.
• Protection from dryness: Helps protect areas from dryness that may tend to dry out easily.

Occlusives, humectants, and emollients can all work together, but each one has a different role, a different feeling on the skin, and a differing level of moisture¹. Most moisturizers fall into one of these categories, and many, such as Aquaphor Healing Ointment^®, contain more than one property.

Humectant skincare contains ingredients that attract and bind water to help support skin hydration⁷. Humectants often feel lightweight or serum-like.

Best for: Skin that feels dehydrated or tight from dryness, especially in dry indoor environments.

Helpful note: The moisturizing effect of humectants can be amplified by use of a product that also includes an occlusive, helping reduce the amount of water escaping from the skin. This is why humectants are often paired with an occlusive step.

Emollients help soften and smooth the feel of skin by improving how the skin surface feels, especially when it feels rough. Emollients are often described as ingredients that help fill in and smooth the surface⁸. They often feel creamy, cushioning, and smoothing.

You will commonly find emollients in creams and lotions, which are designed to feel comfortable and spread easily.

Best for: Rough-feeling skin that needs softness and comfort.

Helpful note: Emollients are often used before an occlusive step to help address skin’s texture first, and then provide a protective layer to keep moisture retained.

Humectants: draw moisture to the skin

Emollients: smooth and soften the feeling of your skin

Occlusives: help protect skin from dryness and help keep moisture from leaving too quickly

Occlusives are usually most effective as the last step in your routine, because they help create a protective barrier over any products that you may have previously applied.

The following is simple skincare routine incorporating humectants, emollients, and occlusives⁸:

1. Cleanse with a gentle cleanser.
2. Hydrate with a humectant-based step, such as a hydrating serum.
3. Moisturize with a lotion or cream.
4. Protect with an occlusive layer where needed. Aquaphor Healing Ointment^® can be used as this final step, especially on areas that feel extra dry.

As with any skincare routine, you will want to be sure to select products that cater to your skin’s unique needs. If you have further concerns about your skin, be sure to consult with a dermatologist before starting a new skincare regimen.

Because Aquaphor Healing Ointment^® has occlusive properties, it can be used in a variety of routine moments where you want to help protect the skin. Here are a few simple ways to use it at home.

For lips that feel dry, chapped, or cracked, apply a thin layer before bed to help hold onto moisture overnight. This can be used on its own or layered over a hydrating lip product.

For dry, cracked heels or other areas of the feet that feel very dry or rough, apply a thin layer, and for added comfort, you can put on socks to help skin to retain moisture.

When cold weather hits, or when your nose is dry or chapped from having a cold, apply a thin layer of Aquaphor Healing Ointment^® to skin around the nose to help protect skin and help relieve discomfort due to dryness.

Are occlusives the same as moisturizers?
An occlusive is a type of moisturizing ingredient. Many moisturizers combine humectants, emollients, and occlusives to support hydration, comfort, and moisture retention.

Can I use an occlusive every day?
Many people use occlusive skincare daily on areas that are frequently dry, especially in colder months. You can also use occlusives only when needed, such as after handwashing or at night. Look for products that are noncomedogenic, like Aquaphor Healing Ointment^®, to help soothe and protect skin without clogging pores.

Do occlusives work better over moisturizer?
Because occlusives help to create a protective barrier on the skin, they are typically most helpful after a hydrating or moisturizing step.

Should I use an occlusive all over or only on certain areas?
It depends on how your skin feels and the texture you prefer. Many people use occlusives as a targeted final step on areas that tend to dry out quickly, like hands, lips, elbows, knees, or heels. If you are using it on larger areas, start with a thin layer and adjust based on comfort.

Aquaphor Healing Ointment^®can be a simple, flexible semi-occlusive step for everyday dryness support. Apply it as needed anywhere skin is feeling dry to help retain moisture in the skin, or as overnight moisture support on targeted areas that are prone to dryness.

The information provided herein is not intended to be medical advice. Nor is it intended to treat the underlying skin disease or condition. The information is provided solely to:

1. Moisturize, soften, and smooth dry skin

2. Improve the appearance of the skin

3. Achieve healthier-looking skin