What is a common ingredient in products designed to improve skin hydration?

Hyaluronic acid is a highly effective ingredient used in many skin care products specifically formulated to enhance skin hydration. It is a naturally occurring substance in the body and is known for its remarkable ability to retain moisture. Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it an ideal humectant for attracting and binding moisture to the skin. This property helps to keep the skin plump, supple, and hydrated, making it a popular choice in serums, moisturizers, and other skincare formulations aimed at reducing dryness.

In contrast, while some other ingredients may play roles in skin care, they do not primarily function to improve hydration. For instance, alcohol can have a drying effect on the skin, glycolic acid is primarily an exfoliant that helps with cell turnover and texture improvement, and fragrance is typically added for scent rather than any hydrating benefits. Thus, hyaluronic acid stands out as the key ingredient known for its hydration-enhancing properties in skincare products.