What is the difference between an emollient and a moisturiser?
In general terms, ‘emollients’ are substances which are used to smooth, sooth and hydrate (i.e. moisturise) the skin; ‘moisturisers’ soften skin by increasing its moisture level. Although there are some subtle differences between the terms ‘emollient’ and ‘moisturiser’ (‘emollient’ is often used to refer to an ingredient in a formulation whereas ‘moisturiser’ usually refers to a finished formulated product) at a general level the terms are used interchangeably.
