Occlusives

Occlusives are the sealing step in a hydration routine. They work by forming a light physical barrier on the skin's surface that helps slow the evaporation of water out of the skin — a process called transepidermal water loss (TEWL). By reducing TEWL, occlusives help moisture stay in the skin longer and give hydrating ingredients time to work. Common occlusive ingredients include petrolatum, beeswax, shea butter, and plant oils — including marula, jojoba, and other facial oils. In the moisture hierarchy of a skincare routine, occlusives sit last: humectants attract water, emollients soften and fill gaps, and occlusives seal the whole system in place. In the Meaga Glow routine, Marula Oil is the primary occlusive step — applied as the final layer (Step 6: Seal) at night to lock in everything beneath it. This is why the Routine Builder places it last. Even a single drop of a well-formulated facial oil at night can meaningfully change how your skin looks in the morning by reducing overnight moisture loss.