New Jersey Esthetics Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Test Prep

Humectants are primarily used in skincare to absorb moisture from the environment and promote moisture retention in the skin. They draw water into the outer layer of the skin, helping to maintain hydration levels. This is crucial for preventing dryness and maintaining a healthy skin barrier. By attracting moisture, humectants not only help keep the skin plump and supple but also improve the overall texture and appearance of the skin.

While antioxidants are important for protecting the skin from free radical damage, they are not the function of humectants. Exfoliation is a process that removes dead skin cells and is achieved through different types of products such as scrubs or chemical exfoliants, rather than the moisturizing properties of humectants. Enhancing natural oils pertains more to occlusive agents that create a barrier to prevent moisture loss, which is a different function from that of humectants. Overall, the key role of humectants is their ability to hydrate and retain moisture in the skin.