Humectants

Humectants are the water magnets of skincare. They work by attracting moisture — either from the surrounding air or from deeper layers of the skin — and binding it to the skin's surface. This is the foundational mechanism behind how hydration actually works in skincare. Common humectants include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera, panthenol (Vitamin B5), and urea. Each has slightly different properties: hyaluronic acid is highly effective at surface hydration, while lower-weight forms penetrate deeper. Glycerin is one of the most reliably moisturizing ingredients across all skin types. Humectants are most effective when applied first in the routine — ideally on slightly damp skin — and sealed in by a following emollient or occlusive layer. Without that seal, humectants can sometimes draw moisture from deeper in the skin rather than from the air, particularly in very dry environments. In the Meaga Glow routine, humectant-forward products (like Milky Drops, Hydra Plump, and Bounce Serum) sit at the Prep and Treat steps, before moisturizer.