This word stems from the Latin “humectant-,” meaning “moistening,” from “humēre,” which means “to be moist.” As a noun, “humectant” refers to a substance that reduces loss of moisture. Humectants are used in a wide range of products — everything from food and cosmetics to pesticides and  pharmaceuticals. Natural humectants include glycerin, honey, and aloe vera. Humectants can also be used to counteract a dehydrating ingredient, such as soaps or alcohols, which is why hair conditioners, lip balms, skin creams, and cleansers tend to boast humectant ingredients’ abilities to moisturize. As an adjective, “humectant” describes anything with moisture-retaining or preserving properties.