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

As most skin care buffs know, hyaluronic acid is a holy grail humectant used in skin care and makeup to retain moisture, retain elasticity, and fight aging. —Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 26 June 2025

Types of humectants include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, urea, and aloe vera.12 Jump to Key Takeaways. —Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 4 June 2025

Hyaluronic acid is a very effective humectant, capable of binding many times its weight in water, providing long lasting hydration and promoting wound healing. —Felicity Carter, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024

Its other star ingredients include glyceryl glucoside, a humectant that boosts your skin barrier to prevent dry patches, and birch tree sap, which can relieve redness. SELF’s lifestyle writer, Jenna Ryu, says this is one of the few sunscreens she’s tried that didn’t break her out. —Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 18 June 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