What is the primary benefit of using emollients in skin care products?

The primary benefit of using emollients in skin care products is their ability to provide barrier protection. Emollients are substances that soften and smooth the skin while creating a protective layer on the skin's surface. This barrier helps to lock in moisture and prevent water loss, thus maintaining skin hydration and overall health. By enhancing the skin's natural barrier, emollients can also protect against environmental irritants, allergens, and harsh weather conditions that could lead to skin damage.

Although hydration and soothing effects are important aspects of skin care, they are secondary benefits of emollients. Hydration occurs as the emollient locks in moisture, while soothing results from the softening properties of the emollients themselves. Exfoliation, on the other hand, is primarily associated with other types of active ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), rather than emollients.

In summary, the primary function of emollients is barrier protection, which promotes skin health by helping to maintain moisture and protect against external aggressors.