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 Keep an eye out for humectants like glycerin or aloe vera, which draw moisture into the hair, keeping your curls hydrated and bouncy. Erin Parker, Allure, 16 Oct. 2024 Because glycerin is a humectant (a substance that attracts water), it is added to skincare, soap, eye drops, and cosmetics to help retain moisture. Carley Millhone, Health, 8 Oct. 2024 Product Recommendations for every skin type: Environ Vita Complex Super Moisture + This fast absorbing moisturizer contains humectants and emollients to combat dry, tight, irritated skin. Shani Hillian, Essence, 8 Oct. 2024 The product also contains ingredients like a special prebiotic that’s been clinically shown to boost hydration and reduce sebum, as well as botanical extracts and humectants to soothe and rehydrate. Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 3 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for humectant 

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 5 Nov. 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

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