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 allows your humectants to instantly grab onto that surface water and lock it in effectively. — Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 28 May 2026

Glycerin, a humectant, provides an instant plumping effect that lasts hours post-application. — Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 19 June 2026

And as should be requisite in this field, a dense base of shea butter and humectants like hyaluronic acid give your skin immediate replenishment and firmness. — Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 8 May 2026

Plus, there’s the addition of betaine and hydrolyzed collagen, which act as humectants for complexion plumping and hydration. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 15 May 2026

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