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Emollient

Emollients soften skin (and moisturisers add moisture). They are used to correct dryness and scaling of the skin.

The terms 'moisturiser' (to add moisture) and 'emollient' (to soften) are interchangeable as they describe different effects of these agents on the skin.

Basically they have two actions:

Some moisturisers contain both occlusives and humectants.

See also:

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