Emollients are used to soften and smooth the scales of the skin, which help reduce rough, flaky skin. They are also occlusive agents: substances that provide a layer of protection that helps prevent moisture (water) loss from the skin.

A humectants is a substance that actually bonds with water molecules to increase the water content in the skin itself. Many humectant?s also have emollient properties while not all emollients are humectants. The best moisturizers have a combination of emollients and humectants

One of the best emollient which is also a good humectant is Kumar organic?s Koplactate. The INCI name of Koplactate is Lauryl lactate. Lauryl lactate is an ester made by mixture of lauryl alcohol and lactic acid. Lactic Acid are alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). They may be either naturally occurring or synthetic. They are often found in products intended to improve the overall look and feel of the skin. Lactic acid, derived primarily from milk and its origins can be traced back to Cleopatra an Egyptian queen, who purportedly used sour milk on her skin for flawless skin.

Lactic acid which is present in lauryl lactate acts as a humectants. They typically draw water to skin from two different places, they can draw from a humid environment and they enhance water absorption from the outer layer of skin.

As lauryl lactate is based on alpha-hydroxy acid, it is also recommended in skin renewal and cell regeneration application because of its free hydroxyl group. It provides light, velvety emolliency to emulsion. It imparts non-oily lubricity in creams and lotions. In deodorants and roll-ons it acts as good anti-perspirant and hydro-alcoholic products. It is also used as good pigment wetting agent in colour cosmetics. It improves viscosity and gives lather creaminess in bath soaps, shower gels etc.

To conclude with, I can say, Koplactate is one of the best emollient which also has an excellent humectant properties.