Glow Up and Ace the Michigan Esthetician State Board Test 2026 – Beautify Your Future!

Glycerin is recognized as a humectant due to its ability to attract and retain moisture from the environment. It effectively draws water into the skin's outer layer, making it an essential ingredient in many skincare products aimed at hydration. When combined with other ingredients, humectants like glycerin help maintain skin moisture levels, resulting in a plump and healthy appearance.

In contrast, shea butter is primarily an emollient, which works more towards conditioning the skin and serving as a barrier to prevent water loss, rather than attracting moisture. Silicones provide a protective layer on the skin, enhancing the texture and feel but lacking the specific moisture-attracting properties characteristic of humectants. Mineral oil, while protecting the skin by forming a barrier to moisture loss, does not possess the ability to draw water into the skin, thus distinguishing it from humectants like glycerin.