emollient

1 of 2

adjective

emol·​lient i-ˈmäl-yənt 

1

: making soft or supple

also : soothing especially to the skin or mucous membrane

an emollient hand lotion

2

: making less intense or harsh : mollifying

soothe us in our agonies with emollient words

—H. L. Mencken

emollient

2 of 2

noun

: something that softens or soothes

Did you know?

Emollient derives from the present participle of the Latin verb emollire, which, unsurprisingly, means "to soften or soothe." Emollire, in turn, derives ultimately from mollis, meaning "soft." Another descendant of mollis is mollify (essentially meaning "to make softer in temper or disposition"). A more distant relative is mild, which can be traced back to the same ancient source as mollis. The adjective emollient first appeared in print in English in the early 1600s; the noun arrived on the scene soon after.

Examples of emollient in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Thicker consistencies create an emollient barrier on top of the skin, trapping in the heat and exacerbating the inflammation. —Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 30 Aug. 2024

Without subjecting you to a chemistry lesson, humectant ingredients must be teamed with emollient ingredients to make an effective lip balm. —Jacqueline Kilikita, refinery29.com, 2 Feb. 2024

Noun

Since lotions may contain water to make the formula fluid, stick products often have high concentrations of emollients and occlusives like plant butters and beeswax. —Jamie Ballard, Allure, 10 Jan. 2025

Glycerin and squalane are a dynamic duo in the skincare world as the former is a humectant that attracts moisture from the air, while the latter is a powerful emollient that helps keep that moisture deep within the skin’s layers. —Bea McMonagle, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin emollient-, emolliens, present participle of emollire to soften, from e- + mollis soft — more at mollify

First Known Use

Adjective

1626, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1656, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

emollient

1 of 2 adjective

emol·​lient i-ˈmäl-yənt 

: making soft or supple

also : soothing especially to the skin or mucous membrane

emollient

2 of 2 noun

: an emollient agent

an emollient for the hands