Medical Institute Capstone: Hydration Helper

Looking to determine the best product for moisturizing the face, Olivia Alderfer ’25 designed an experiment to investigate the absorption of eight well-known moisturizers. By analyzing changes in skin hydration levels, Alderfer learned which moisturizers would provide the most lasting hydration and whether the composition of ingredients significantly affects the absorption into the skin.

“I’ve always been interested in taking care of my skin,” says Alderfer. “I struggle with dry skin and wanted to see for myself what would work best and how to implement that.”

Alderfer sought to determine if there were a certain combination of ingredients that would work best for most people and chose popular skin products and brands that are affordable and accessible at major drugstores or retail outlets.

Volunteer participants were assigned four moisturizers each, applied to the forearm, and their skin hydration was measured using a HydroSensor before application, immediately after, and two hours later.

Her hypothesis was supported by the research. Moisturizers with the best retention over two hours had a combination of ceramides and niacinamide which create a comprehensive approach to repairing and moisturizing the skin barrier. These same moisturizers also had emollients, humectants, and occlusives.

As reported in Alderfer’s research, emollients like shea butter, fatty acids, and ceramides soften and smooth skin by filling gaps between cells and improving barrier function. Niacinamide helps boost the production of ceramides and skin lipids. Humectants such as glycerin, and hyaluronic acid draw moisture into the skin from deeper layers and the environment. Occlusives like petroleum jelly and beeswax form a barrier on the skin’s surface to prevent moisture loss.

Alderfer concluded that the brands of moisturizers with the best retention included Byoma, CeraVe, and La-Roche Posay. She was surprised to discover one of her personal skin care choices was not effective.  

“I’ve been using a product since I was young, and that ended up preforming the worst,” says Alderfer. “It had consistently low readings at the start of the test, and I learned it did not have as many of key ingredients and not as much water.”

This path of discovery will continue for Alderfer as she continues her education at St. Joseph’s University, where she will study nursing. She is considering a career as a labor and delivery nurse or may pursue dermatology, as a nurse practitioner.

“Being in the Institutes helped me to decide where I want to go with my career,” says Alderfer. “It has helped me develop critical thinking skills which I will need as a nurse.”

Institutes at Perkiomen School

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