What does the Hydroviton® PLUS complex actually do, and why does my skin feel tight after washing?

The tight feeling after washing happens when surfactants remove not only dirt and sweat but also part of the skin’s natural lipid film and some water-binding substances. This leaves the upper layer of the skin temporarily less able to hold onto moisture. The Hydroviton® PLUS complex in this product is designed to counteract that effect. It contains urea, sodium PCA, sodium lactate, sugars and sodium hyaluronate — all substances that are naturally associated with the skin’s own moisture system. These ingredients are hygroscopic, meaning they attract and hold water in the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin.

In practical terms, this makes the cleansing process feel milder. Instead of the skin becoming dry, tight or “squeaky” after rinsing, it tends to feel softer and more comfortable. The addition of jojoba, olive and peach oils further helps reduce the stripped sensation by leaving a light lipid layer on the skin. Vitamin E and D-panthenol support the skin’s hydrolipid barrier, the thin protective film on the surface.

That said, this is still a wash-off product. The moisture-binding ingredients are not deposited in large amounts like a leave-on moisturizer. If your skin is very dry or you are washing frequently in a sauna, you may still need a body lotion or oil afterward. The benefit of the complex is that you may need less moisturizer, or you may not feel the urgent tightness that often follows a classic bar soap.