So what exactly are you putting on your face? Have you ever looked twice at the label and thought about what is it that you brought? There are some popular ingredients that manufacturers like to put in their products. It is best that you learn a little bit more about each ingredient and what’s actually inside your makeup. Here are a few of the common ones:

Ceramides – Ceramides are important building blocks of your skin’s structure. They assist in maintaining your skin’s moisture and help to hold your skin together. Complications with dry skin are often linked to low ceramide levels. Dry skin is more susceptible to dirt and pollution, which is why it is important to keep your skin hydrated as much as possible.

Glycerin – Glycerin is also known as glycerol and is composed of fats and sugars. It is found in all animal and vegetable fats. Glycerin readily absorbs and retains water which is important for keeping your skin smooth and hydrated. When applied to your skin, it attracts water from your surrounding environment and adds that moisture to the surface layers of your skin (also called the epidermis). By maintaining the outer barrier of your skin, glycerin helps to prevent the flaking of the skin. Consistent usage of products that contain glycerin can help your skin stay smooth and healthy in the long run.

Dimethicone -Dimethicone is an ingredient that is found in many skincare and makeup products. Manufacturers love this ingredient because it helps to fill uneven textures. You would not be surprised to find Dimethicone in many primers, moisturizers, and foundation products. In fact, this is one of the main ingredients in oil-free moisturizers. When applied to the skin, it forms a protective barrier on the surface of the skin which helps to lock the moisture inside.

Petrolatum – You would probably be familiar with this product if you have used Vaseline in the past. It is the same as petroleum jelly and it is a very popular material used in moisturizers. The reason is simple, petrolatum is very effective in preventing water loss on the skin’s surface. It is also great for protecting rough skin. People with oily skin should stay away from petrolatum, however, because it may make your skin even oilier.

Hyaluronic Acid – Hyaluronic acid has the ability to soften skin. It is becoming a popular ingredient in the makeup world. You can find hyaluronic acid naturally in the human body. It is used by your body to lubricate joints or to maintain the shape of your eyeballs. As we grow older, however, this substance depletes. Many makeup manufacturers have learned that including hyaluronic acid in their products can help their aged customers return their skin to their natural beauty. Hyaluronic acid works by drawing water from deep inside your skin. It can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. These great properties help your skin feel smoother and plumper. Look for this ingredient when selecting the right type of makeup in the future!