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

Glycerin is a humectant that pulls water into the skin. —Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 18 Mar. 2025

To counteract dryness that can sometimes come with exfoliation, this serum also includes panthenol, a humectant that helps attract moisture to the skin. —Deanna Pai, Allure, 12 Mar. 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

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