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Showing results for humectant. Search instead for humectants.

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

Aquafix, $35, contains glycerin and provitamin B5, a skin soother and humectant.

From New York Times Jan. 29, 2020

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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