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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Choose products with humectants: When looking for products to maintain your hair's moisture, select those that contain humectants, which are substances that attract and hold water to hydrate the hair. Sherri Gordon, Health, 26 May 2025 Rice bran extract, a lightweight emollient, smooths the hair cuticle, while hyaluronic acid acts as a humectant to lock in moisture. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 28 Mar. 2025 Thanks to moisture-locking humectants (like propanediol), the featherlight liquid feels hydrating and comfortable—a surprising feat for a foundation that's so budge-proof—while soft-focus pigments render imperfections nearly invisible. Sophia Panych, Allure, 15 May 2025 This deeply hydrating treatment offers touchable softness to brittle strands and delivers moisture directly to the cortex with a potent blend of squalane, humectants, and peptides. Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for humectant

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Humectant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humectant. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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