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humectant

American  
[hyoo-mek-tuhnt, yoo-] / hjuˈmɛk tənt, ju- /

noun

  1. a substance that absorbs or helps another substance retain moisture, as glycerol.


adjective

  1. moistening; diluting.

  2. of or relating to a humectant or humectants.

humectant British  
/ hjuːˈmɛktənt /

adjective

  1. producing moisture

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a substance added to another substance to keep it moist

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of humectant

1650–60; < Latin hūmectant- (stem of ( h ) ūmectāns ), present participle of ( h ) ūmectāre to moisten, equivalent to ( h ) ūmect ( us ) moist, damp ( see humid) + -ant- -ant


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Honey has been touted as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and humectant, making it an ideal skin-care ingredient.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 31, 2020

It gets its humectant power from an organic aloe vera base and vegetable glycerin.

From New York Times ● Mar. 5, 2019

It’s a powdery mix of pink clay, honey — a humectant — and coconut that hydrates while it exfoliates.

From New York Times ● Mar. 5, 2019

Speaking of hydration, it wouldn’t hurt to double down with some hyaluronic acid, which both experts said was an important humectant for plumping skin and retaining moisture.

From Slate ● Nov. 30, 2018

The body's natural humectant – or moisture – is stripped away by some soaps, which can make the skin tissue more vulnerable to irritation.

From US News ● Dec. 22, 2015

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