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
Most of us already know how hydrating ingredients—think humectants like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or emollients such as jojoba oil and shea butter—can work glow-inducing wonders by helping the skin attract and retain moisture.
—
Jenny Berg, Vogue, 22 June 2024
Your derm can offer product recs that are safe to use on your face, but generally speaking, something with hydrating humectants (like hyaluronic acid and glycerin) and skin-soothing and protecting ingredients (like ceramides, petrolatum, allantoin, and colloidal oatmeal) are good options.
—Alice Oglethorpe, SELF, 10 May 2024
Ingredients to Look for in Moisturizers for Combination Skin
For combination skin, choose a moisturizer with humectants and emollients.
—Lauren Paige Richeson, Health, 3 Apr. 2024
Manufacturers often pair ceramides with humectants, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, for additional moisture.
—Lisa Desantis, Health, 22 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for humectant 
Jenny Berg, Vogue, 22 June 2024
Your derm can offer product recs that are safe to use on your face, but generally speaking, something with hydrating humectants (like hyaluronic acid and glycerin) and skin-soothing and protecting ingredients (like ceramides, petrolatum, allantoin, and colloidal oatmeal) are good options.
—Alice Oglethorpe, SELF, 10 May 2024
Ingredients to Look for in Moisturizers for Combination Skin
For combination skin, choose a moisturizer with humectants and emollients.
—Lauren Paige Richeson, Health, 3 Apr. 2024
Manufacturers often pair ceramides with humectants, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, for additional moisture.
—Lisa Desantis, Health, 22 Mar. 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.
Dictionary Entries Near humectant
Cite this Entry
“Humectant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humectant. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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