You will see emollients and humectants in probably all skin care products. Both very beneficial to skin but with different functions. Many think that moisturizers and emollients are the same thing, but actually emollients as well as humectants are particular ingredients in moisturizing products.
Emollients are ingredients which soften and smooths dry or flaky skin sealing in moisture while forming an occlusive protective barrier on the surface. Some examples of emollients are shea butter, cocoa butter, mango butter,coconut oil, jojoba oil and other plant based oils
Humectants are ingredients that actually bond with moisture in the air and draw moisture from other elements, keeping skin hydrated. Pretty much a water magnet. Some examples of humectants are glycerine, sugar, salt, honey, aloe vera.