Humectant ingredients.
557 ingredients in this category. Found in products across our database.
What are humectant ingredients?
Humectants are moisture magnets. They draw water from the environment and deeper skin layers to the surface, keeping skin plump and hydrated. Common humectants include glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and panthenol. They work best when paired with occlusives to lock that moisture in.
Most common humectant ingredients
Glycerin
One of the most effective humectants
Butylene Glycol
Lightweight humectant and solvent
Sodium Hyaluronate
Smaller molecule form of hyaluronic acid
Panthenol
Vitamin B5 — hydrates and soothes
Propanediol
Pentylene Glycol
Humectant with antimicrobial properties
Propylene Glycol
Moisture-binding humectant and penetration enhancer
Betaine
Natural humectant from sugar beets
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Phospholipid — mimics skin barrier lipids
Dipropylene Glycol
Glycol-based humectant