moisturizer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to informal; common in everyday, commercial, and beauty-related contexts.
Quick answer
What does “moisturizer” mean?
A cream or lotion applied to the skin to prevent dryness and keep it hydrated.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A cream or lotion applied to the skin to prevent dryness and keep it hydrated.
Any substance or product designed to add or retain moisture, sometimes used metaphorically for things that provide essential nourishment or hydration.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: UK 'moisturiser', US 'moisturizer'. The US spelling is dominant globally due to branding. The word 'lotion' is a more general, frequent synonym in US everyday speech.
Connotations
Neutral in both. Slightly more commercial/beauty-industry term in the UK; in the US, it's a standard household word.
Frequency
Very high frequency in both varieties, especially in advertising and personal care contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “moisturizer” in a Sentence
apply + MOISTURIZER + to + SKINuse + MOISTURIZERMOISTURIZER + contains + INGREDIENTneed + MOISTURIZERVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “moisturizer” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Don't forget to moisturise after showering.
- This cream moisturises deeply.
American English
- Don't forget to moisturize after showering.
- This lotion moisturizes for 24 hours.
adverb
British English
- Apply the cream moisturisingly in upward strokes. (Rare/Non-standard)
- N/A
American English
- N/A
- N/A
adjective
British English
- She has a good moisturising routine.
- Look for moisturising ingredients like glycerin.
American English
- She has a good moisturizing routine.
- It has a strong moisturizing effect.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a product category in cosmetics, skincare, and retail.
Academic
Used in dermatology, cosmetology, and chemistry papers discussing formulation or effects.
Everyday
Common in daily routines and shopping conversations.
Technical
A specific formulation designed to increase the water content of the stratum corneum.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “moisturizer”
- Pronouncing it as /mɔɪˈstʊr.aɪ.zɚ/ (misplacing stress).
- Using 'moisturizer' to refer to a humidifier.
- Spelling: 'mosturizer' (omitting 'i').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Moisturizer' describes the function (adding moisture). 'Lotion' describes the physical form (a low-viscosity liquid emulsion). Many lotions are moisturizers, but not all moisturizers are lotions (some are creams, gels, or oils).
Typically, no. Products for hair are called 'conditioners', 'hair masks', or 'hair oils'. 'Moisturizer' is strongly collocated with skin. Using it for hair would be understood but marked as unconventional.
'Cream' is a broader term for a semi-solid emulsion. A 'moisturizer' is defined by its purpose. A facial cream can be a moisturizer, but it could also be a cleanser, night cream, or foundation.
A subset of English speakers report a aversion to the word 'moist', which is inside 'moisturizer'. This is a psycholinguistic phenomenon called 'word aversion'. The word itself is standard and neutral.
A cream or lotion applied to the skin to prevent dryness and keep it hydrated.
Moisturizer is usually neutral to informal; common in everyday, commercial, and beauty-related contexts. in register.
Moisturizer: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɔɪs.tʃər.aɪ.zə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɔɪs.tʃə.raɪ.zɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific noun]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'MOIST' is in the word. A MOISTURIZER makes your skin MOIST.
Conceptual Metaphor
SKIN IS A PLANT THAT NEEDS WATERING; MOISTURIZER IS WATER/NOURISHMENT.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a moisturizer?