Abstract: Provided herein are cosmetic compositions for increasing the integrity of the skin or hair a subject or for reducing irritation of the skin of a subject and methods of using the cosmetic compositions. The cosmetic compositions contain a combination of a occlusive compound and an osmolyte compound. The occlusives of the combinations are squalane, hemisqualane, isosqualane, squalene, or isosqualene. The preferred osmolyte is ectoine. The cosmetics or pharmaceuticals may be used to increase the barrier of the skin or hair, increase the integrity of skin or hair, reduce inflammation of the skin, or prevent aging of the skin of a subject.