A humectant is a substance that attracts and retains moisture, keeping products moisturized and affecting the preservation of items. They are used in many products, including food, cosmetics, medicines, and pesticides. Humectants are often molecules with several hydrophilic groups, most often hydroxyl groups, but amines and carboxyl groups can also be encountered. They are used in stabilization of products and can increase skin hydration, helping to remove and reduce the thickness of skin. Humectants can be found in a wide range of personal care products, including face washes, serums, moisturizers, lotions, face masks, shampoos, conditioners, lip balms, and nail care products. Some common humectants include glycerin, urea, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), propylene glycol, honey, sorbitol, and aloe vera. Humectants work by attracting moisture from the environment onto the surface of the skin or hair, drawing water from the deeper layers of the skin to the outermost layer. They can create a desired barrier to outside elements that helps retain skin moisture, playing a crucial role in preventing dryness.
Positive aspects of humectants:
- Attract and retain moisture, keeping products moisturized
- Increase skin hydration
- Aid in absorption of other active ingredients
- Create a barrier to outside elements that helps retain skin moisture
- Make hair feel softer, bouncier, and more elastic
- Protect hair from dry weather and wind
Negative aspects of humectants:
- Can create frizzy, sticky hair in high humidity
- Can dry out hair in low humidity
- Can cause permanent damage to hair in either extreme condition
- In extremely low humidity conditions, humectants may draw water out of the interior of the hair shaft and cause dryness and possible damage or breakage
Examples of humectants:
- Glycerin
- Urea
- Hyaluronic acid
- Salicylic acid
- Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic acid and lactic acid
- Propylene glycol
- Honey
- Sorbitol
- Aloe vera
Ingredients that can be used with humectants:
- Occlusives
- Emollients
- Antioxidants
- Preservatives
It is important to note that not all humectants are created equal, and it is important to look out for other ingredients that can undo the benefits of the humectant in a particular product formula.
