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

This deeply hydrating treatment offers touchable softness to brittle strands and delivers moisture directly to the cortex with a potent blend of squalane, humectants, and peptides. —Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 30 Apr. 2025

Namely, hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5, which act as humectants by attracting water to the skin and retaining it. —Sara Coughlin, SELF, 30 Apr. 2025

Hydration is also critical for a fresh-faced look, so these face serums also contain humectants like hyaluronic acid. —Deanna Pai, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2025

This formula is also notably hydrating, thanks to the addition of glycerin (a humectant), which attracts moisture, and squalane (an emollient), which helps seal it in. —Macaela MacKenzie, Glamour, 24 Apr. 2025

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

Rhymes for humectant

• expectant
• protectant
• disinfectant

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