What is the main purpose of an emollient in skin care products?

The main purpose of an emollient in skin care products is to soften and soothe the skin. Emollients are substances that help to maintain the skin's hydration by forming a barrier on the skin’s surface, which prevents moisture loss. This is particularly important for dry or damaged skin, as it helps to restore the skin's natural protective barrier, yielding a smoother and more supple appearance.

While exfoliation is important for removing dead skin cells and improving skin texture, it is typically achieved through different mechanisms and ingredients, such as alpha hydroxy acids or physical scrubs. Sun protection is primarily provided by ingredients formatted to absorb or deflect UV rays, which are different from the soothing effects of emollients. Enhancing makeup longevity involves different formulations and ingredients that can help makeup adhere better to the skin, which does not directly relate to the soothing and softening properties of emollients. Thus, the role of emollients is specifically centered on moisturizing and soothing the skin rather than achieving the other functions listed.