humectant

noun

hu·​mec·​tant hyü-ˈmek-tənt How to pronounce humectant (audio)
: a substance that promotes retention of moisture
humectant adjective

Examples of humectant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web However, humectants and occlusives can be applied separately, too. Jani Hall, Health, 21 Feb. 2024 The honey is a natural humectant that fosters stronger and healthier hair. Neha Tandon, Glamour, 1 Mar. 2024 Think of humectants as magnets that draw water from the air into your skin to rehydrate it, while occlusives create a protective layer to seal all that moisture in. Alaina Chou, Bon Appétit, 21 Feb. 2024 Lightweight but ultra-hydrating shampoos like our top pick, Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Shampoo, boast hyaluronic acid, a humectant that helps hair lock in moisture for longer. Sophie Dodd, Peoplemag, 14 Jan. 2024 That's all thanks to good old glycerin, a humectant known for its hydrating properties. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 11 Jan. 2024 Propylene glycol works as a humectant by attracting moisture to the skin and consequently hydrating and moisturizing it. Tolu Ajiboye, Verywell Health, 2 July 2023 Typically, moisturizers contain at least one of three different types of ingredients: emollients, occlusives, and humectants. Sarah Klein, SELF, 5 Jan. 2024 Because healing dry skin calls for both humectants and emollients (that draw in moisture and lock in moisture, respectively), a good humectant like hyaluronic acid, which holds 1,000 times its weight in water, will draw hydration to the skin to bouncier, glowier effect. Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 12 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'humectant.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of humectant was circa 1867

Dictionary Entries Near humectant

Cite this Entry

“Humectant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humectant. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

humectant

1 of 2 adjective
hu·​mec·​tant hyü-ˈmek-tənt How to pronounce humectant (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on humectant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!