Which ingredient is known for attracting water to the skin?

Humectants are a category of ingredients specifically designed to draw moisture into the skin. They function by attracting water from the environment or from deeper layers of the skin, thereby increasing hydration levels on the skin's surface. This property is particularly beneficial for maintaining skin elasticity, softness, and overall appearance, especially in dry conditions or for those with dehydrated skin types.

Emollients, while important, primarily work by smoothing the skin and filling in the gaps between skin cells, which helps to improve the skin's texture but does not directly attract moisture. Occlusives create a barrier that prevents moisture loss from the skin but do not draw water in. Exfoliants remove dead skin cells from the surface but do not have moisture-attracting properties. Thus, humectants are the most effective choice for hydration through moisture attraction.