humectant

A substance that promotes retention of moisture.

Promoting retention of moisture.

[From Latin hūmectāns, hūmectānt-, present participle of hūmectāre, to moisten, from hūmectus, moist, from hūmēre, to be moist.]

A substance used to maintain moisture levels. Humectants are generally hygroscopic. For example, glycerol is employed as a humectant in confectionery, foodstuffs, and tobacco. Other polyhydric alcohols, such as mannitol and sorbitol, are also used as humectant additives in the foodstuffs industry.

Substances such as glycerol, sorbitol, invert sugars, honey which prevent loss of moisture from foods, especially flour confectionery; they also prevent sugar crystallizing and the growth of ice crystals in frozen foods.

1. a substance that prevents loss of moisture. n.pl 2. substance contained in toothpastes, gels, and powders that prevents their chemical or physical decomposition by maintaining moisture.

1. moistening.
2. a moistening or diluent medicine.

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A humectant is a hygroscopic substance. It is often a molecule with several hydrophilic groups, most often hydroxyl groups, but amines and carboxyl groups, sometimes esterified, can be encountered as well; the affinity to form hydrogen bonds with molecules of water is crucial here.

Since hygroscopic substances absorb water from the air, they are frequently used in desiccation. When used as a food additive, the humectant has the effect of keeping the foodstuff moist. Humectants are sometimes used as a component of antistatic coatings for plastics. Humectants are also found in many cosmetic products where moisturization is desired, including treatments such as moisturizing hair conditioners and also commonly used in body lotions. Humectants are also used in the manufacture of some cigarettes and other tobacco products.

Examples of humectants include glycerine, propylene glycol (E 1520) and glyceryl triacetate (E1518). Others can be polyols like sorbitol (E420), xylitol and maltitol (E965), polymeric polyols like polydextrose (E1200), or natural extracts like quillaia (E999), lactic acid or urea.

The chemical compound Lithium chloride is an excellent humectant, but is toxic.

See also

• Desiccant

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