Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) Best Humectant Hydration Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) description Substances within skin’s uppermost layers that help keep it smooth, hydrated and healthy-looking. Topical application helps reinforce skin’s surface so skin takes on a younger, replenished appearance. NMFs make up an expansive group of ingredients that include amino acids, lactic acid, sodium PCA, various sugars and minerals, and peptides. Together with the naturally-occurring lipids in skin (examples would be ceramides, cholesterol, and glycosaminoglycans), NMF’s work to keep skin’s surface intact and supple.It is worth noting that routine exposure to sensitising ingredients like drying cleanising agents and denatured alcohol cause serious depletion of skin’s natural moisturising factors, leading to visibly dry, tight-feeling, flaky skin.