All About Humectants

Humectants are moisture-preserving ingredients in hair and skin products. They attract and retain moisture, keeping hair and skin hydrated, soft, and reducing frizz. There are two types: regular humectants, which draw moisture in moist environments but release it easily when dry, and film-forming humectants, which create a moisture-trapping film on the hair.

Regular humectants are best used in rinse-off products, avoiding leave-in products when the dew point is below 50F or above 60F due to potential frizz. Film-forming humectants are effective in both rinse-off and leave-in products, as they don’t cause frizz. They work best as one of the top five ingredients.

Hydrolyzed proteins in hair products also act as humectants, releasing water slowly, which benefits high-porosity hair. These proteins keep hair hydrated, flexible, and strong, ideal for hair types prone to breakage or weighed down by oils.

For some extra moisture, look for these humectants in products:

Regular Humectants:

• Glycerin

• Propylene Glycol

• Caprylyl Glycol

• Sorbitol

• Urea

• Hyaluronic Acid

• Sodium lactate

• Sodium PCA

• Glycine Betaine

• Colloidal Oatmeal

Film-forming Humectants:

• Aloe Leaf Juice

• Hydroxyethylcellulose

• Marshmallow Root

• Flax Seed Gel

• Okra Gel

• Slippery Elm

• Xanthan Gum

• Pectin

• Guar Gum

• Nettle Leaf Extract/Tea

• Hydroxypropyltrimonium Honey

• Carrageenan