What is skin flooding?

22. September 2025
Skin Flooding, Layering

Skin flooding is a multi-step skincare routine in which various moisturising products – usually in the order of toner, serum and cream – are applied on top of each other. The focus is on intensively moisturising the skin, especially dry, sensitive or stressed skin. The aim is to strengthen the skin barrier, improve elasticity and reduce dryness lines.

Why skin flooding?

Modern skincare faces a challenge: environmental stress, heated air, air conditioning, UV radiation and the wrong skincare products can dry out the skin. Skin flooding counteracts this. By applying several light, hydrating products in quick succession, moisture absorption and retention are significantly increased.

Skin flooding procedure

  1. Cleansing: Gentle, pH-neutral cleansing forms the basis.
  2. Toner or face spray: Applied immediately after cleansing, it optimally prepares the skin for the next steps.
  3. Hydrating serum: A serum with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerine, niacinamide or fulvic acid provides a powerful moisture boost.
  4. Moisturising cream: Seals in the previously applied active ingredients and protects the skin from drying out.
  5. (Optional) Occlusive balm: For very dry skin, a final layer of Vaseline or a rich ointment can be applied to minimise water loss.

Active ingredients for skin flooding

Moisturising and skin-soothing ingredients are particularly suitable:

  • Hyaluronic acid: Binds large amounts of water and plumps up the skin.
  • Glycerine: A classic moisturiser.
  • Fulvic acid: As described in the document, a well-tolerated alternative to vitamin C that has anti-inflammatory properties and smoothes the complexion.
  • Lactoferrin: An antibacterial and antioxidant active ingredient with moisturising properties – ideal for sensitive skin or acne.
  • Panthenol and allantoin: Soothe the skin and promote regeneration.

Advantages of skin flooding

  • Immediate and deep hydration
  • Improved skin texture and elasticity
  • Reduction of redness and irritation
  • Strengthening of the skin barrier
  • Fewer dryness lines

Disadvantages and what to look out for

  • Not suitable for all skin types: Oily skin can appear over-treated if too many layers are applied.
  • Too many products can cause irritation on sensitive skin.
  • Important: Products should be well coordinated (e.g. pH values, no potentially irritating combinations).

The best active ingredients for skin flooding (skin hydration)

Here are the seven best active ingredients for skin flooding (skin hydration), including brief descriptions:

Active ingredientProperty
Hyaluronic acidBinds large amounts of water, plumps the skin from within
GlycerineHygroscopic, draws moisture from the air into the skin
Panthenol (provitamin B5)Soothes and repairs irritated skin
Niacinamide (vitamin B3)Strengthens the skin barrier and reduces redness
Aloe veraCooling, anti-inflammatory, provides plant-based moisture
CeramidesHelp to regenerate the skin's lipid barrier
SqualaneSimilar to the skin's own sebum, has a moisture-sealing effect

These ingredients can be easily combined in multiple layers and are ideal for skin flooding (skin hydration).

Skin flooding (skin hydration) routine for optimal skin hydration

Here are our suggestions from the private label range of our partner Tojo Cosmetics:

Step 1: Mild cleansing

Gently cleanse the skin without drying it out.

Recommendation:

  • 507-25-15-8PL Cleansing Gel

Sulphate-free, mild surfactant system, grape seed oil, vitamin E and vitamin C.

Or

  • 507-25-139-1PL Oil Cleanser

Squalane, jojoba oil, almond oil, vitamin E and vitamin C.

Step 2: Moisturising spray or toner on damp skin

Provides the first layer of hydration.

Recommendation:

  • 507-25-42-4PL Aloe Vera Facial Toner

Panthenol, horsetail extract, bisabolol and lots of aloe vera

Step 3: Moisturising serum

Now come the active hydrators – the heart of optimal skin hydration.

Recommendation:

  • 507-24-20-3PL Face Serum

NMF factor, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin C

Step 4: Soothing serum or gel cream

Now comes a skin-soothing active ingredient to stabilise.

Recommendation:

  • 507-25-140-1PL Lamellar Skin Barrier Cream PL

Lamellar technology, squalane, ceramide NP, lecithin emulsifier, shea butter

Step 5: Moisturising cream (sealing)

Now the applied moisture is locked in.

Recommendation:

  • 507-24-77-2P Face Cream for Dry Skin

Shea butter, argan oil, ceramide NP, MultiMoist complex, niacinamide, probiotic, panthenol, collagen booster peptide, hyaluronic booster peptide

Step 6: Optional – oil (for dry skin)

For even more sealing and protection against water loss.

Recommendation:

  • 507-23-10-2PL Face Oil

Argan oil, squalane, tocopherol, rosemary oil

Conclusion

Skin flooding is more than just a trend – it is an effective method of intensively moisturising the skin without overloading it. This technique can work wonders, especially in the cold season or on stressed skin. The integration of modern, skin-friendly active ingredients such as fulvic acid or lactoferrin can further optimise the effects.

Cosmacon GmbH offers in-depth expertise in the development of modern cosmetic formulations. Whether moisturising serums, soothing creams or innovative combinations of active ingredients for skin flooding (skin hydration) – we work with you to develop products that impress and strengthen your brand.

Feel free to contact us!

At Tojo Cosmetics, you will find ready-to-use private label products for your brand that impress with their effectiveness and skin compatibility.