Humectants retain moisture in food and cosmetic products. Sorbitol and polydextrose are common food additives that can have a laxative effect. Glycerol is found in foods and skincare products, and can be used in biodiesel production. Mineral oil in skincare products can prevent the skin from absorbing essential nutrients. Humectants can also be used in gardening and embalming.
A humectant is a substance used primarily in food and cosmetic products to help retain moisture. These substances are called hygroscopic, which means they are able to absorb water from the environment. Some of these additives are beneficial when consumed or used. Others, particularly some foods, are less beneficial, can cause abdominal discomfort, and should probably be avoided.
A common humectant in food products is sorbitol. This is a sugar alcohol derived from sugar. It’s used in diet or sugar-free foods and is lower in calories than sugar, so it’s a popular choice among dieters. In doses greater than 1.76 ounces (50 g), it has a laxative effect and can cause diarrhea. In the 1990s, consumer advocates successfully lobbied for product warnings to be placed on sorbitol-containing foods so people could keep their consumption below harmful levels.
Polydextrose is another humectant food additive used to replace sugar. It is not only found in sweet foods, but often found in other foods such as salad dressings. This particular substance not only replaces the sugar in some foods but can also be used as a substitute for fat or starch. It also has a laxative effect, so reading your food labels can inform your selection.
Glycerol is found in foods, but is also sometimes specifically prescribed by doctors for constipation, so again, prudent consumption is advised. Perhaps the most beneficial aspect of glycerol is not as a humectant but in the production of biodiesel. With the current oil shortage and rising petrol prices, many have turned to alternative fuels such as biodiesel, and many more are expected to do so.
Glycerol or glycerin is a frequent addition to moisturizing lotions and skin creams. Some humectants used in skin care products are vegetable oil based. Many work well for hydrating and smoothing the skin. A substance like mineral oil, however, can actually build up under the skin and prevent the skin from absorbing essential vitamins and nutrients. A number of skin products contain mineral oil, even the more expensive ones. Awareness of the deprivation of skin nutrients caused by mineral oil has sparked something of a revolution in skin care, where plant oils replace the ill-advised mineral oil.
Some humectants can be added to plants at the root level to help the plant pick up more ambient moisture. Many gardeners prefer this as a way to conserve water. A humectant composed of several oils is also used in embalming fluids. They are said to restore moisture and produce a more realistic look for those who will be seen in open coffins.
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