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.
Most of all, Kay praises the formula for its smoothing and radiance-boosting effects, which can be chalked up to humectants like glycerin and propylene glycol, plus brightening Japanese persimmon leaf extract and camellia seed oil. — Jenny Berg, InStyle, 19 Aug. 2026 Centella asiatica and tocopherol work together for hydration, which lactic acid acts as a humectant to lock in moisture and retain a lustrous look. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 18 Aug. 2026 Hydrolyzed collagen acts as a humectant to retain moisture, while adenosine smooths the appearance of fine lines. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 15 Aug. 2026 Oils, proteins, humectants, ceramides, antioxidants—all these buzzwords actually mean something. — Anya Meyerowitz, Glamour, 2 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for humectant

See All Rhymes for humectant

Browse Nearby Words

humect
humectant
humectate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Humectant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humectant. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about humectant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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