humectant

noun

hu·​mec·​tant hyü-ˈmek-tənt 

: a substance that promotes retention of moisture

humectant adjective

Examples of humectant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

It’s also got provitamin B5, another humectant that also offers skin-softening and barrier strengthening benefits. —Zoe Weiner, Glamour, 25 Sep. 2024

Here are a few of the most common: Hyaluronic acid This humectant is arguably the most popular hydrator in skin care. —Sarah Han, Allure, 23 Sep. 2024

The combination of hyaluronic acid and niacinamide leaves the skin feeling nourished, while Vitamin B5 works like a humectant to retain water and moisture. —Kat Romero, Rolling Stone, 13 Sep. 2024

Urea, acting as a humectant and exfoliant, hydrates and softens the skin simultaneously. —Daley Quinn Published, Health, 6 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin humectant-, humectans, present participle of humectare to moisten, from humectus moist, from humēre to be moist — more at humor entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1867, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

humectant

1 of 2 adjective

hu·​mec·​tant hyü-ˈmek-tənt 

: promoting the retention of moisture

humectant properties

humectant materials

humectant

2 of 2 noun

: a substance (as glycerol or sorbitol) that promotes retention of moisture