Humectant

Humectant

hyo͞oˈmektnt

Noun

  • A substance, especially a skin lotion or a food additive, used to reduce the loss of moisture.

Adjective

  • Retaining or preserving moisture.

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Example Sentences

“I need to buy a new daily humectant for my dry skin.”

“Wyatt’s tangled hair requires a conditioner with more humectant ingredients.”

“Cocoa butter is the main humectant in this lotion, but it makes it smell good, too.”

Word Origin

Latin, early 19th century

Why this word?

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. 

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