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
Ingredients to Look for in Moisturizers for Combination Skin
For combination skin, choose a moisturizer with humectants and emollients.
—
Lauren Paige Richeson, Health, 3 Apr. 2024
Manufacturers often pair ceramides with humectants, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, for additional moisture.
—Lisa Desantis, Health, 22 Mar. 2024
Royal jelly is thought to be effective in moisturizing (again, a humectant) and even said to boost collagen production thanks to a hyper-specific acid (10-hydroxy-trans-2-decenoic, to be exact).
—Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2024
Look for ones with ingredients that pull water into the skin (humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin), calm flare-ups (like ceramides and colloidal oatmeal), and help lock in moisture (occlusives like petrolatum), as SELF previously reported.
—Sarah Klein, SELF, 27 Feb. 2024
This $11 formula is also notably hydrating, thanks to the addition of glycerin (a humectant) and squalane (an emollient) which helps seal in moisture.
—Macaela MacKenzie, Glamour, 17 Feb. 2024
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
Lauren Paige Richeson, Health, 3 Apr. 2024
Manufacturers often pair ceramides with humectants, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, for additional moisture.
—Lisa Desantis, Health, 22 Mar. 2024
Royal jelly is thought to be effective in moisturizing (again, a humectant) and even said to boost collagen production thanks to a hyper-specific acid (10-hydroxy-trans-2-decenoic, to be exact).
—Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2024
Look for ones with ingredients that pull water into the skin (humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin), calm flare-ups (like ceramides and colloidal oatmeal), and help lock in moisture (occlusives like petrolatum), as SELF previously reported.
—Sarah Klein, SELF, 27 Feb. 2024
This $11 formula is also notably hydrating, thanks to the addition of glycerin (a humectant) and squalane (an emollient) which helps seal in moisture.
—Macaela MacKenzie, Glamour, 17 Feb. 2024
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
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.
Dictionary Entries Near humectant
Cite this Entry
“Humectant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humectant. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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