Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Humectants, such as glycerin, propylene glycol, and hyaluronic acid, are commonly used in topical formulations for burns and scalds. Their primary function is to attract and retain moisture in the stratum corneum, thereby helping maintain an optimal moist environment for wound healing. Scientific studies have shown that a moist wound environment promotes faster re-epithelialization, reduces pain, and minimizes scarring compared to wounds exposed to dry conditions. Humectants are often included in modern burn dressings and topical preparations for this reason.

Research has demonstrated that humectant-containing gels and dressings can enhance hydration of the wound bed, prevent desiccation, and support the migration of epithelial cells, all of which are crucial in the healing process. For example, hyaluronic acid-based preparations have shown positive effects on burn healing in both preclinical and clinical studies, leading to more rapid wound closure and improved cosmetic outcomes. While humectants themselves do not possess antimicrobial or direct analgesic properties, their role in maintaining hydration and supporting a favorable healing environment is well supported by scientific literature.

Therefore, the use of humectants in the supportive treatment of burns and scalds is scientifically validated, though often in combination with other wound care agents. The overall quality of evidence is moderate (rated 3/5), as most studies focus on specific humectants or combination products, and further high-quality, controlled trials would strengthen the evidence base.

More about Humectant
More about Burns and Scalds

Other ingredients used for Burns and Scalds

aloe vera
amino acids
green chiretta
annatto
bamboo
basil
beeswax
myrobalan
beta caryophyllene
betel
bisabolol
black cumin
black walnut
blackberry
Indian frankincense
bromelain
bасора
carrot
chamomile
clove
coating
coconut milk
cucumber
turmeric
curcumin
echinacea purpurea
garlic bulb
glycerin
gooseberry
gotu kola
onion
hemp oil
hyaluronic acid
Indian gum arabic tree
Indian tinospora
iodine
honeysuckle
Japanese sophora
jujube
l-glutamine
marshmallow
moringa
mustard seed
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
papain
parsley
phenolic acids
plantain
protease
purified silver
quail egg
rhizome
rosemary
sage
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
selenium
silicon
slippery elm bark
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin A
vitamin C
water
zinc
bentonite
yellow root
squawvine
parthenium
chickweed
typhonium
papaya
shen-chu
mugwort
Indian bael
neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
clerodendrum indicum
hedychium spicatum
pistacia integerrima gall
commiphora
paederia foetida
tinospora cordifolia
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
chaff flower
peony
lingusticum wallichii
boxthorne
goldenrod
yarrow
buckthorn
moss
myrrh
solomon's seal
siler root
dioscorea
dodder
fern
sweet flag
hyacinth bean
sweetgums
morinda
oriental arborvitae
zanthoxylum
birch
couch grass
sheep's sorrel
queen of the meadow
assam indigo
fulvic acid
eucalyptus
camphor oil
menthol oil
aster root
wood betony
paw paw
white oak
herbal blend (proprietary)
melaleuca alternifolia
indigo leaves
cayenne pepper
geranium
arnica
sea salt
Avens
akebia
Animal Tissue
Asiaticoside
Ardisia
acacia
Agave
Agrimony
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Anamu
Alchornea
Albizia
Alchemilla
Aconite
Ajuga
Aucubin
Anserina
Albumin
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
Alkanet
Alsonia scholaris
Agrimonia pilosa
Asteracea
Acemannan
Argan nut oil
Abuta
Alkanna
Allium tuberosum
Alstonia macrophylla
Amor seco
Arani
Bee Propolis
Betony
Bermuda Grass
Babchi
Bai Ji
Baliospermum
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Black spruce
Blackthorn
Broussonetia
Blubber oil
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Blackbrush
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Big Quaking Grass
Bitter Grass
Bougainvillea
Brazillian peppertree
Bael
Benzoin
Begonia fimbristipula
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Banyan
Bletilla
Bee products
Barbary matrimony vine
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Babassu
Black root
banana
Bassia scoparia
Boerhavia diffusa
Borneol
Comfrey
Coconut
Centella triterpenes
Candleberry
Chinese Silkvine
Curry leaf
Caryophyllene
Calendula
Casearia esculenta
Common Monkey Flower
Chinese Mountain Ant
Calotropis gigantea
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cucurbita
Colloidal Silver
Chlorophyllin
coconut oil
Cactus
Cape Aloe
Capillary Artemisia
Cinquefoil
Cyathula
Cattail
Curcuminoid
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Chlorophytum
Common Thatching grass
Cowherb
Curcumen
Centella asiatica
Celandine
Ceylon Leadwort
Cedar
Campylandra fimbriata
Centipeda
Curcuma
Carrapichinho
Cedrus libani
Cosmos
Cynodon dactylon
Chiococca alba
Catkin
Costus
Cocklebur
Castor Oil
Carthamus
Copaiba Oil
Cynanchum
Celosia
Clerodendrum indicum
Calyptridium umbellatum
Casearia sylvestris
Chrysophanics
Chondrus
Dianthus
Didymocarpus
DIVI-DIVI
Dragon's Blood
Devil's Club
Dianthrone
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
Davilla rugosa
Dichrostachys glomerata
Epidermal Growth Factor
European Elder
Erigeron
Elephant Vine
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Erodium cicutarium
English Horsemint
Eclipta
English Elm
Echinacea
Emu Oil
Elaeagnus glabra
Essential Oil Blend
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
European-Five Finger Grass
Elemi
Embelia
Eugenol
fibroblast growth factor
Goldthread
Garlic
Lotus
Lily
Little ironweed
Mallow
Oak
Orchid
Potato
Poppy
Polyvinyl alcohol
Spikenard
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Silk protein
Sandalwood
Sumac
Vervain
Zucchini

Other health conditions supported by Humectant

Abrasions
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Wounds and Sores

Products containing Humectant

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.