ABSTRACT
Nearly everyone has used a skin moisturizer product. In fact many people use a moisturizer every day of their life. Moisturizers are so familiar we seldom think to ask “what is a moisturizer?” A visit to the local supermarket, convenience store, or pharmacy should surely provide the answer. And, yes, the products on the moisturizer shelves do appear to be much the same, a variety of creams and lotions. But why are there so many different creams and lotions? And what are all these other moisturizers? There are sprays and foams, gels and serums, oils and jelly, balms and lipsticks, foundations and mascara, and even sunscreens, all labeled as moisturizing. And there are more. Back in the cleansing aisle we find bar soaps and shower liquids described as moisturizers. Moisturizing baby wipes and moisturizing tissues are on display in the paper and disposable products section. In hair care we encounter moisturizing shampoos and conditioners and some moisturizing hair colorants. There are even some moisturizing antiperspirants! It seems that nearly everything on the personal care shelves is moisturizing, so what is a moisturizer?
