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Home > Cosmetic Ingredient > Humectant (Find 11 items)

Cosmetic Ingredient

Chemicals as Skincare Ingredients

Humectant

Find the perfect humectant materials here for your cosmetics, check CAS NO., property details, and SDS on ECHEMI for your desired humectant. Source raw chemical materials from certified suppliers and start shopping and check comprehensive product information now!

Thiourea

(62-56-6)
Photographic fixing agent and to remove stains from negatives, manufacture of resins, vulcanization accelerator, a reagent for bismuth, selenite ions.

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Trimethylolpropane

(77-99-6)
Conditioning agent, manufacture of varnishes, alkylated resins, synthetic drying oils, urethane foams & coatings, silicone lube oils, lactone plasticizers, textile finishes, surfactants, epoxidation products.

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Tea extract

(84650-60-2)
green tea extract (Camellia sinensis L.) is a powerful anti-oxidant because of its catechin content, it is also known to be an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and a stimulant. In clinical studies, green tea demonstrates an ability to prevent or at least postpone the onset of such illnesses as cancer and heart disease. This is attributed to the catechin component’s ability to penetrate into a cell, thereby protecting the cell from free radicals and associated damage. Because of its anti-oxidant

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Trehalose

(99-20-7)
Trehalose, also known as mycose or tremalose, is a natural alpha-linked disaccharide formed by an α,α-1,1-glucoside bond between two α-glucose units. In 1832, H.A.L. Wiggers discovered trehalose in an ergot of rye, and in 1859 Marcellin Berthelot isolated it from trehala manna, a substance made by weevils, and named it trehalose. It can be synthesised by bacteria, fungi, plants, and invertebrate animals. It is implicated in anhydrobiosis — the ability of plants and animals to withstand prolonged

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Tomato, ext.

(90131-63-8)

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Tremella fuciformis, ext.

(778577-37-0)
Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide is it can be used as an emulsion stabilizer, film former, or skin conditioner and is apparently able to help the skin retain moisture. It is also credited with skin-protecting, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergenic properties. There is some clinical evidence that it may help increase superoxide dismutase activity and thus be effective in anti-aging formulations. This is the polysaccharide fraction derived from the tremellia fuciformis mushroom. Its primary con

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Humectant refers to an ingredient that attracts and retains moisture, helping to maintain the water content of cosmetic products. According to their origin, humectants are categorized as natural, such as glycerin and honey, or synthetic, like propylene glycol. According to their molecular size, humectants can be classified as small-molecule humectants, such as hyaluronic acid, or polymeric humectants, like polyethylene glycol. According to their compatibility, humectants can be water-soluble, like sorbitol, or oil-soluble, such as butylene glycol. " Humectant" on ECHEMl primarily provides raw materials for the humectant.

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A humectant is a crucial ingredient used in various topical dosage forms, particularly in enhancing the solubility of active ingredients in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Its primary purpose is to increase the effectiveness of chemical compounds, allowing them to better penetrate the skin and extend their activity time.

Humectants operate by drawing moisture from the environment, creating a hydrating effect that is especially beneficial in countering the dehydrating impact of certain active ingredients like soaps, corticoids, and certain alcohols.

Common humectants

•Oil: Glycerin is a natural humectant that attracts large amounts of water.

•Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid is a natural polysaccharide.

•Allantoin: Allantoin has a moisturizing and cuticle softening effect.

•Natural Oils: Vegetable oils, such as olive oil and sweet almond oil, are rich in fatty acids.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a humectant and how does it work?

A humectant is a hygroscopic substance that attracts and retains moisture from the environment to keep products or skin hydrated. Commonly used in cosmetics, personal care items, and food, humectants like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and propylene glycol help maintain moisture balance by drawing water into the outer layer of the skin or product matrix. This property makes them essential in formulations aimed at preventing dryness and improving texture.

What are the most common types of humectants used in skincare?

The most widely used humectants in skincare include glycerin, hyaluronic acid, sorbitol, propylene glycol, and urea. Each offers unique benefits: glycerin is cost-effective and highly effective at hydration; hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water; sorbitol provides mild moisturization and acts as a stabilizer; propylene glycol enhances ingredient penetration; and urea helps exfoliate while hydrating. Choosing the right humectant depends on the desired formulation performance and skin compatibility.

Are humectants safe for sensitive skin?

Most humectants are considered safe for sensitive skin when used at appropriate concentrations. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid, for example, are generally well-tolerated and non-irritating. However, some individuals may experience sensitivity to certain humectants like propylene glycol, especially at higher levels. It’s important to patch-test new products and select formulations labeled 'hypoallergenic' or 'dermatologist-tested' if you have reactive or compromised skin barriers.

How do humectants differ from emollients and occlusives?

Humectants, emollients, and occlusives serve complementary roles in moisturization. Humectants draw water into the skin from the environment or deeper layers. Emollients (like squalane or fatty acids) smooth and soften the skin by filling gaps between skin flakes. Occlusives (such as petrolatum or dimethicone) form a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss. Effective moisturizers often combine all three types to deliver comprehensive hydration and barrier support.

Can humectants be used in food and pharmaceutical products?

Yes, humectants are commonly used in both food and pharmaceutical applications. In food, ingredients like glycerin and sorbitol help retain moisture, improve texture, extend shelf life, and prevent crystallization in products such as baked goods, candies, and low-moisture foods. In pharmaceuticals, humectants maintain the stability and consistency of topical creams, ointments, and oral liquids. Regulatory-approved humectants must meet strict purity and safety standards for use in consumable and medicinal products.

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