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Ingredient function 2051 ingredients · Page 1/42

HUMECTANT

Retaining and/or preserving the moisture in a product during use.

2051 ingredients in the EU CosIng inventory carry the HUMECTANT function designation.

Browse annex entries for HUMECTANTAll functions

Ingredients with the HUMECTANT function

3-HYDROXYBUTYRIC ACID

96793

3-Hydroxybutyric Acid is the organic compound that conforms to the formula:

CAS 625-72-9

ACACIA SEYAL GUM

82844

Acacia Seyal Gum is the dried, gummy exudate obtained from Acacia seyal, Fabaceae

ACACIA VICTORIAE SEED OIL

93965

Acacia Victoriae Seed Oil is the oil expressed from the seeds of Acacia victoriae, Fabaceae.

CAS 1542151-07-4

ACANTHOPANAX SENTICOSUS ROOT

83827

Acanthopanax Senticosus Root is the dried, cut root of the Siberian Ginseng, Acanthopanax senticosus, Araliaceae

CAS 84696-12-8

ACER SACCHARUM SAP

91253

Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Sap is the sap derived from Acer saccharum, Aceraceae.

ACER SACCHARUM SAP EXTRACT

92887

Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Sap Extract is the extract of the sap of Acer saccharum, Aceraceae (Sapindaceae).

ACETYL HEXAPEPTIDE-8

54135

Acetyl hexapeptide-8 is the synthetic peptide consisting of arginine, methionine, and acetylated glutamic acid residues

CAS 616204-22-9

How the HUMECTANT function is used in CosIng

The HUMECTANT function is assigned by the European Commission in the CosIng ingredient inventory. This page currently lists 2051 ingredients carrying that function label in the dataset, which helps you move from a functional claim to the exact ingredients that use it.

Retaining and/or preserving the moisture in a product during use.

Function assignments come from official EU CosIng data. They describe intended cosmetic use, but they do not replace regulatory review of each linked ingredient and any annex records tied to it.

Frequently asked questions

The HUMECTANT function, as defined in the EU CosIng database, describes the role this group of ingredients plays in a cosmetic formulation. There are currently 2051 ingredients in the EU CosIng inventory assigned this function. Function labels are standardised terms used in Product Information Files (PIF) and ingredient declarations.

Yes. An ingredient's function in the CosIng inventory is independent of its regulatory status. An ingredient with the HUMECTANT function may also be listed in Annex II (prohibited), Annex III (restricted), or other annexes. Always check each ingredient's annex records for applicable conditions before formulating.

Ingredient functions are documented in the Product Information File (PIF) as part of the cosmetic product safety assessment. They describe the intended role of each ingredient in the formulation and support the safety assessor's review. Functions do not appear on consumer-facing product labels, which list only INCI names.

Use the INCI Checker to paste your full ingredient list and screen it against all Annex II–VI restrictions, CMR classifications and allergen flags from the EU CosIng database.
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See the full list of cosmetic ingredient function categories in the EU CosIng inventory.

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