Which of the following is a substance that attracts or binds water to the skin?

The correct choice is indeed a humectant, which is a substance that has the ability to attract and bind water to the skin. Humectants play a crucial role in skincare products by drawing moisture from the environment into the skin and helping to maintain hydration levels. This property is essential for preventing dryness and keeping the skin looking plump and healthy. Common examples of humectants include glycerin and hyaluronic acid.

Exfoliants, on the other hand, are materials that help remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, boosting cell turnover and improving skin texture, but they do not have functions related to moisture attraction. Emollients are substances that soothe and soften the skin by forming a barrier that locks in moisture but do not specifically attract water. Occlusive agents create a protective film on the skin to prevent moisture loss, but they also do not attract water; instead, they help retain it. This distinction between the functional roles of these substances is critical for understanding how they contribute to skin health and hydration.