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

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

Though tranexamic acid is anti-inflammatory by nature, it's accompanied by antioxidant-rich humectants such as phytic acid, niacinamide, and sodium hyaluronate that help soothe sensitivity. —Sarah Han, Allure, 12 June 2025

To temper the exfoliation with restorative moisturizing, count on humectants like glycerin and allatoin to add back in hydration. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 4 June 2025

However, avoid products with humectants, like glycerin and aloe vera, which do not always work well with high porosity hair.6 Talk to your stylist before treating your hair. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 4 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