What does moisturizer mean?
A moisturizer is a cream, lotion, balm, or similar preparation that is applied to the skin to help it retain moisture and reduce dryness. The word is especially associated with personal care and skincare routines, including applying a moisturizer after washing or cleansing the face. Moisturizers are commonly described as lightweight, hydrating, rich, mattifying, or fragrance-free, according to their texture and intended effect. Although people sometimes say that a moisturizer adds water to the skin, its central purpose is generally to support the skin’s own moisture barrier and help it hold water. The word is standard in American English, while moisturiser is a common British spelling. A moisturizer is also distinct from moisture itself: moisture is the water present in or on the skin, whereas a moisturizer is the product used to maintain or replenish it. The term has become especially familiar through discussions of everyday skincare and cosmetic products.
nounA moisturizer is a cosmetic preparation, such as a cream or lotion, applied to the skin to help it retain water and reduce dryness.
- A cosmetic preparation used to moisturize the skin, typically in the form of a cream, lotion, balm, or similar product.
"She applied a lightweight moisturizer before leaving the house."
"The pharmacist recommended a fragrance-free moisturizer for sensitive skin."
"Daily skincare routines often include moisturizer after cleansing."
The usual plural form when referring to multiple products, formulations, or containers of moisturizer.
"The shop sells several moisturizers for different types of skin."
A moisturizer does not simply add water to the skin; it helps the skin hold on to the water it already has.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does moisturizer come from?
Moisturizer is a modern English formation built from moist, through the related word moisture, together with the suffix -izer, which forms a noun denoting something that makes, supplies, or brings about a particular quality. In this case, the resulting noun refers to a preparation used to produce or maintain moisture. Its use is especially associated with the development and popularization of modern skincare products.
Related word forms
How moisturizer is actually used
The term is neutral and especially common in skincare, beauty, and consumer-product contexts. In British English, the standard spelling is often moisturiser; in American English, moisturizer is usual. It is generally countable when referring to a particular product or formulation.
Easily confused with moisturizer
Moisture is the water or moisture present in or on the skin, whereas a moisturizer is a product applied to help the skin retain moisture.