Emollients: What They Are, Types, Benefits, and How to Use Them
Updated: 6 days ago
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026 · How we review
Quick Answer
Emollients are skin care ingredients in creams, lotions and ointments that soften skin and form a protective film on its outer layer. They relieve dryness, itching and scaling from eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and everyday dry skin. They work best on damp skin within three minutes of bathing. Seek urgent care for a spreading, blistering or feverish rash. [1]
What the research says
Regular moisturizing means fewer eczema flares. A review of 77 randomized trials (6,603 people) found that moisturizers cut eczema flares compared with no moisturizer, placebo or vehicle (6 studies, 607 people; risk ratio 0.33). In trials of moisturizer versus none, the median time to a flare was 180 days versus 30 days. (van Zuuren et al., Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2017) [2]
Twice-daily moisturizer may protect fragile older skin. In a trial of 984 care-home residents, those given a moisturizer twice a day had 5.76 skin tears per month per 1,000 occupied bed-days, versus 10.57 with usual care. The reviewers rated this evidence as very low quality. (Cowdell et al., Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2020) [3]
Daily emollients from birth did not prevent eczema. In 1,394 high-risk newborns, eczema at age 2 affected 23% of the emollient group and 25% of controls, a non-significant difference. The emollient group had more skin infections in the first year (0.23 vs 0.15 per child). (Bradshaw et al., Health Technol Assess, 2024) [4]
Key takeaways
Emollients soften skin and form a film that helps it hold on to moisture. [1]
There are two main types: occlusives (seal moisture in) and humectants (draw water in). Many products combine both. [1]
They help eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and dry skin from cold air, diabetes, cancer treatment, frequent hand washing and chemicals. [1]
Apply them to damp skin, ideally within three minutes of bathing. [1]
They are generally safe long term, but some products can trigger allergies or acne. [1]
What are emollients?
Emollients are ingredients in skin care products that soothe dryness and irritation. [1]
They are also called barrier creams because they form a film on your skin's outer layer. [1]
You'll find them in creams, lotions, moisturizers and ointments. Healthcare providers often recommend them for skin conditions that cause scaling or dryness, such as eczema and psoriasis. [1]
What do emollients do for your skin?
Emollients help dry skin in four main ways. Products that contain them can: [1]
Attract water to your skin
Prevent your skin from losing moisture
Soften scaling or peeling skin
Soothe irritated or dry skin
The result is skin that feels more comfortable, with less itching and pain from dryness or irritation. [1]
What is the difference between an emollient and a moisturizer?
An emollient is one of the ingredients inside a moisturizer, and its job is to soften the skin. [1]
A moisturizer is the full product. Besides emollients, it contains other ingredients that help bring water into your skin. [1]
Feature | Emollient | Moisturizer |
What it is | An ingredient | A finished product |
Main job | Softens skin and forms a protective film | Delivers emollients plus water-attracting ingredients |
Where you find it | Inside creams, lotions, ointments and moisturizers | On the shelf as a cream, lotion or ointment |
What are the two types of emollients?
The two main types of emollients are occlusives and humectants, and many moisturizing products contain both. [1]
Occlusives seal water in; humectants pull water in. Image: rinnit.com
Occlusives
Occlusives form a thick, greasy coating on your skin that doesn't dissolve in water. [1]
They don't add moisture. Instead, they help your skin hold on to the moisture it already has. [1]
Humectants
Humectants attract and bind water to your skin, which raises its moisture level. [1]
They feel lighter and less greasy than occlusives, but they wash off more easily in water. [1]
Feature | Occlusives | Humectants |
How they work | Seal in existing moisture | Attract and bind water to skin |
Texture | Thick and greasy | Lighter, less greasy |
In water | Don't dissolve | Wash off more easily |
Examples | Petroleum jelly, mineral oil, lanolin, liquid paraffin | Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, propylene glycol, urea |
What conditions can emollients help?
Emollients can relieve symptoms of skin conditions that cause dryness, cracking or scaling. [1] These include:
They can also ease dry skin caused by: [1]
Cold, dry air
Frequent hand washing
Working with chemicals
Cancer treatment
If dryness comes with intense itching, our guide to itchy skin (pruritus) explains other causes worth checking.
How do you apply emollients correctly?
Emollients absorb best when your skin is still damp, so the best time to apply them is right after a bath or shower. [1]
Apply emollients to damp skin within three minutes of bathing. Image: rinnit.com
Follow these five steps: [1]
Bathe gently. Take a warm, not hot, bath or shower and use a gentle cleanser.
Pat dry. Rinse your skin well and gently pat it dry.
Warm it up. Take a handful of emollient and warm it between your hands.
Apply fast. Spread it over dry, scaly or irritated areas, ideally within three minutes of leaving the bath or shower.
Rub gently. Work it into your skin in a gentle, downward, circular motion.
Can you use emollients instead of soap?
Yes, an emollient can be used like soap after handwashing to limit the drying effect of soap. [1]
Soaps and cleansers can contain ingredients that aggravate eczema or dry skin. [1] This method removes germs while protecting your skin: [1]
Wash your hands with soap and warm water for 30 seconds.
While your hands are still damp, rub about a tablespoon of emollient all over them, like soap.
Rinse your hands.
Gently pat them dry. Don't rub.
Apply more emollient if needed.
Whenever you can, choose fragrance-free, hypoallergenic soap and hand sanitizers that contain moisturizers. [1]
Can you use emollients with prescription creams?
Yes, emollients can be used alongside prescription creams, but follow your healthcare provider's instructions on order and timing. [1]
If you use a prescription product or one with active ingredients, such as a steroid cream, you may need to apply it before the emollient. [1] Emollients can be a helpful addition to prescription skin creams. [1]
Using a prescription non-steroid cream for eczema? See our guide to pimecrolimus cream.
How often can you use emollients?
You can use emollients throughout the day whenever your skin feels dry. [1]
Emollients without active ingredients are usually safe to use as needed. Check the label for active ingredients, such as hydrocortisone. [1]
When you try new products, start only one at a time unless your provider advises otherwise. If you react to several new products at once, it's harder to tell which one caused it. [1]
What are the benefits of emollients?
The main benefit of emollients is more comfortable skin, with less itching and pain from dryness or irritation. [1]
Regular use may help you manage dry or itchy skin. Daily use can also help prevent skin cracks, which helps you avoid infections. [1]
What are the risks of emollients?
Emollients are generally safe, but some products can cause allergic reactions or acne. [1]
Risk | Who's most affected | What to choose |
Allergic reaction or irritation | People with sensitive skin or allergies | Hypoallergenic or sensitive-skin formulas with few ingredients |
Acne breakouts | People prone to acne (occlusives like oils and petroleum jelly can aggravate it) | Products labeled noncomedogenic or non-acnegenic |
To lower your risk, avoid products that contain these common irritants and allergens: [1]
Alcohol
Dyes or colors
Essential oils
Fragrance
Latex
Preservatives, such as parabens or methylisothiazolinone
Ask your healthcare provider which products suit your skin type. [1] If you're prone to breakouts, our guide to hormonal acne covers skin care habits that help.
Are emollients safe to use long term?
Yes, emollients are generally safe for long-term use. [1]
If you have a chronic skin condition that isn't improving, talk to your healthcare provider about other treatment options. [1]
When should you see a doctor about dry skin?
You should call your healthcare provider if your skin develops any of these changes: [1]
Cuts or wounds that won't heal
Irritation
A rash
Redness
If you have a skin condition or a chronic health condition, see your provider regularly for checkups. [1]
When is a skin rash an emergency?
A rash is an emergency when it comes with fever, blisters, red streaks, oozing, pain or warmth, or spreads quickly. [1]
Know which skin changes need a call and which need the emergency room. Image: rinnit.com
Seek emergency care if your rash is: [1]
Accompanied by fever
All over your body
Blistering
Forming red streaks on the skin around it
Oozing yellow or green fluid
Sudden and spreading quickly
Painful
Warm to the touch
Emollients at a glance
Question | Short answer |
What are they? | Skin-softening ingredients that form a protective film |
Main types | Occlusives and humectants |
Best time to apply | On damp skin, within 3 minutes of bathing |
How often | Whenever skin feels dry (if no active ingredients) |
Main risks | Allergic reactions, acne breakouts |
Long-term use | Generally safe |
Conclusion
Emollients are a simple, low-risk tool for dry, irritated or itchy skin. [1] They soften skin, help it keep moisture, and can work alongside prescription creams. [1]
The keys are choosing the right type for your skin, applying it to damp skin, and avoiding common irritants like fragrance and dyes. [1] With so many creams and ointments available, most people can find one that fits their needs. [1]
Living with dry skin, eczema or psoriasis? Start with our eczema guide and plaque psoriasis guide for clear, medically reviewed information, and ask your healthcare provider which emollient fits your skin. If a rash spreads fast, blisters or comes with fever, get emergency care right away.
FAQ
What are emollients used for?
Emollients are used to soothe and soften dry, itchy or scaly skin. They help relieve symptoms of eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis, and dry skin caused by cold air, frequent hand washing, chemicals, diabetes or cancer treatment. [1]
Are emollients the same as moisturizers?
No. An emollient is an ingredient in a moisturizer whose job is to soften skin, while the moisturizer is the full product that also contains ingredients that bring water into the skin. [1]
What is the best way to apply emollients?
Apply emollients to damp skin, ideally within three minutes of a warm bath or shower. Warm a handful between your hands, then rub it in gently using downward, circular motions. [1]
Can I use emollients with steroid creams?
Yes, but follow your healthcare provider's instructions. You may need to apply the prescription or active product first, before the emollient. [1]
How often can I use emollients?
You can use emollients whenever your skin feels dry, throughout the day. Emollients without active ingredients, such as hydrocortisone, are usually safe to use as needed. [1]
Can emollients cause acne?
Yes, they can in some people. Occlusive products such as oils and petroleum jelly may aggravate or cause acne, so people prone to breakouts should look for products labeled noncomedogenic or non-acnegenic. [1]
Are emollients safe for long-term use?
Yes, emollients are generally safe to use long term. If a chronic skin condition isn't improving, talk to your healthcare provider about other treatment options. [1]
When is a rash an emergency?
Get emergency care if a rash comes with fever, covers your whole body, blisters, forms red streaks, oozes yellow or green fluid, spreads suddenly, is painful, or feels warm to the touch. [1]
What is the difference between ointments, creams and lotions?
Ointments are the thickest and greasiest and seal in moisture best. Creams are lighter but still moisturizing, and lotions are the thinnest and easiest to spread. Thicker products often suit very dry skin.
Are emollients safe for babies?
Fragrance-free emollients are generally safe for babies with dry skin. Ask your child's healthcare provider which product to use, especially if your baby has eczema or a rash.
Related Reading
Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): Symptoms, Causes & Treatment — Complete Guide explains eczema triggers, symptoms and how to manage flares.
Dry Skin: Causes, Symptoms, and the Habits That Heal It covers common causes of dry skin and simple ways to treat it.
Psoriasis: Complete Guide to Symptoms, Types, Causes, and Treatment describes psoriasis types, symptoms and treatment options.
Contact Dermatitis: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment — Complete Guide explains skin rashes caused by irritants and allergens.
References
Cleveland Clinic. Emollients: Creams, Soaps, Moisturizers, Ointments, Benefits. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated June 17, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23305-emollients
van Zuuren EJ, Fedorowicz Z, Christensen R, et al. Emollients and moisturisers for eczema. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;2(2):CD012119. PMID: 28166390. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD012119.pub2
Cowdell F, Jadotte YT, Ersser SJ, et al. Hygiene and emollient interventions for maintaining skin integrity in older people in hospital and residential care settings. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;1(1):CD011377. PMID: 32006460. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD011377.pub2
Bradshaw LE, Wyatt LA, Brown SJ, et al. Emollient application from birth to prevent eczema in high-risk children: the BEEP RCT. Health Technol Assess. 2024;28(29):1-116. PMID: 39021147. https://doi.org/10.3310/RHDN9613
Medical disclaimer
This article is for general education only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always ask your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider about any skin condition or before starting a new skin care product. If you think you have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number right away.
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