Summary: Emollients are agents for external use which moisturize, lubricate and make skin more elastic. Due to their properties in dermatology, they have the most established position in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). The main task of emollients is to restore the damaged epidermal barrier and its function, by reducing skin dryness and preventing exacerbations of the disease. This effect is achieved by means of various mechanisms: an occlusion effect, binding and maintenance of water within the stratum corneum, and by providing lipid or protein components that are missing in the altered layer of the epidermis. Emollients are mixtures of hydrophobic and hydrophilic components forming an emulsion with two possible types: oil in water or water in oil. Currently, a large range of emollient products is available on the pharmaceutical market, which are divided by the way they are obtained (plant, animal, petroleum derivatives, fatty acid derivatives). Choosing a particular product, it is necessary to familiarize oneself with its composition, since this decides about the specific properties of the product.