humectant
Keeps things moist
A humectant is a substance that attracts and retains moisture.
In cosmetics and skincare, humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid draw water to the skin to keep it hydrated.
Food manufacturers add humectants to prevent products from drying out: The humectant keeps the cookies soft.
The term appears mainly in technical and product contexts.
Hydrating skin cream
- serumBlood's watery portion
- lotionLiquid skin moisturizer
- creamRich milk fat
- tonerImaging powder or facial astringent
essence · emollient · hydrating · plumping · nourishing · softening · anti-aging · rejuvenating
Viscous moisturizing compound
- sorbitolPolyol sweetener and humectant
- hyaluronic acidMoisture-retaining tissue sugar
- ureaNitrogenous metabolic waste compound
- lactic acidAnaerobic metabolism byproduct
panthenol · ceramides · betaine · aloe vera · honey · allantoin
Small amounts of liquid
- absorptionProcess of taking in
- retentionContinued holding or possession
- hydrationBodily fluid replenishment
- hygroscopicAbsorbs moisture from surroundings
drawing · attracting · holding · penetrating · replenishing · balancing · regulating
Able to dissolve in water
- lightweightLacking mass or importance
- absorbingHolding attention completely
- hygroscopicAbsorbs moisture from surroundings
- viscousThick and slow-flowing
compatible · stable · gentle · soothing · non-comedogenic
Skin-applied beauty substances
- pharmaceuticalsManufactured therapeutic substances
- food preservationProtecting edibles from rot
- tobaccoDried smoking leaf
- textilesWoven or knit materials
adhesives · inks · industrial · confectionery · baked goods
moisturizer
Hydrating skin cream
toner · essence · emollient · hydrating · plumping · nourishing · softening · anti-aging · rejuvenating · supple
glycerin
Viscous moisturizing compound
- sorbitolPolyol sweetener and humectant
- hyaluronic acidMoisture-retaining tissue sugar
- ureaNitrogenous metabolic waste compound
lactic acid · panthenol · ceramides · betaine · aloe vera · honey · allantoin
moisture
Small amounts of liquid
- absorptionProcess of taking in
- retentionContinued holding or possession
- hydrationBodily fluid replenishment
hygroscopic · drawing · attracting · holding · penetrating · replenishing · balancing · regulating
water-soluble
Able to dissolve in water
- lightweightLacking mass or importance
- absorbingHolding attention completely
- hygroscopicAbsorbs moisture from surroundings
viscous · compatible · stable · gentle · soothing · non-comedogenic
cosmetics
Skin-applied beauty substances
- pharmaceuticalsManufactured therapeutic substances
- food preservationProtecting edibles from rot
- tobaccoDried smoking leaf
textiles · adhesives · inks · industrial · confectionery · baked goods
- skincarecream, lotion, moisturizer, facial, serum
- Food Sciencefood science, enzymes, carbohydrates, proteins, pH
- additivesfood coloring, stabilizer, MSG, emulsifier, plasticizers
- softenersfabric softener, water softener, dryer sheets, Calgon, conditioner
- Formulation Ingredientsactive ingredient, filler, binder, preservative, emulsifier
- water-lovinghydrophilic, water soluble, aqueous, hygroscopic, absorbent
humectantdesiccant
Moisture-absorbing material
dehydrating agent · absorbent · astringent · desiccator · sealant