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 acts as a humectant to pull water into the skin, while oils like almond and coconut help seal that moisture in, reinforcing the skin barrier and preventing further dryness. —Hana Hong, Glamour, 25 Mar. 2026

Hyaluronic acid, a humectant, magnetizes moisture from the surrounding air and plumps the appearance of fine lines (which appear more prominent when skin is dry). —Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 14 Mar. 2026

That’s why dermatologists recommend looking for thick moisturizers with humectants that hydrate, emollients that moisturize, and occlusives that lock it all in, for calmer, softer skin (no scratching here). —Sarah Felbin, Allure, 25 Feb. 2026

Hyaluronic acid Hyaluronic acid is just an expensive humectant. —Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 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