Moisturizers don’t work the way many people think they do.
While your skin does absorb some components of a lotion or cream, most moisturizers are designed to work on the surface of the skin, not deep within it. Their primary role is to support the skin’s natural barrier—the stratum corneum—and reduce water loss.
When the skin barrier is functioning well, it slows transepidermal water loss (TEWL), helping skin stay comfortable and hydrated. When it’s compromised—due to weather, treatments, irritation, or over-exfoliation—water escapes more easily, and skin can feel dry, tight, or reactive.
What “Absorption” Really Means
The absorbed feeling most people notice after applying a moisturizer usually comes from:
- Fats and lipids that soften the outermost layer of skin
- Humectants that attract and temporarily hold water
- A light film that sits on top of dead skin cells, reducing evaporation
Some active ingredients can penetrate into the outer layers of the skin (the epidermis), but most are formulated to stay near the surface. This is intentional—moisturizers are designed to support skin function, not just deliver water for the skin to absorb.
Why it Matters
This is why dryness isn’t always solved by layering more products. If the skin barrier isn’t supported, moisture won’t stay in place—no matter how many hydrating ingredients you use (HA).
Moisturizers are less about adding water and more about helping skin hold onto what it already has.
Have questions about how skincare products really work?
