{"schema":"https://ver.cy/schemas/card/1.0.0","id":"vr.tr.humectant","code":"thing-q911854","url":"https://ver.cy/models/thing/q911854/","name":"humectant","alternateNames":["moisture-retention agent","wetting agent"],"kind":"thing","status":"published","version":"0.1.0-research.1","language":"en","classifiers":{"family":"Thing Registry","category":"Physical world and living systems","entryKind":"thing","plane":"PHY","domain":["PHY.MAT"],"industry":[],"navPath":"","tags":[],"facets":{}},"whatItIs":"A humectant is a substance used to attract and retain water in a material or formulation, helping control its moisture content and resistance to drying.","purpose":"Enable an agent to recognise a material acting as a humectant, assess its moisture-retention performance under specified conditions, and judge its suitability for an intended formulation.","scope":{"in":["Identity, composition, purity and grade of a candidate humectant","Evidence that the material attracts or retains water in its intended matrix","Dependence of moisture behaviour on concentration, temperature and relative humidity","Effects on water activity, texture and formulation stability","Application-specific compatibility, exposure and permitted-use constraints"],"out":["Complete models of individual chemical substances used as humectants","Whole-product formulation design and manufacturing operations","Desiccant systems whose purpose is to remove moisture from a protected environment","Emollient and occlusive functions except where they overlap with humectancy","Finished-product preservation, clinical efficacy or shelf-life certification"],"boundaries":[]},"distinguishingFeatures":["The classification depends on an intended water-attraction or water-retention function; chemical identity alone does not establish performance in every application.","A material used to retain moisture in a target matrix has a humectant role, whereas the same material used to dry a surrounding space may have a desiccant role.","Evidence of softening or lubrication alone does not establish humectancy; water uptake, retention or availability must be assessed.","A reduction in evaporation through a barrier alone supports an occlusive function; a humectant assessment must establish the material's interaction with water.","Humectant denotes a functional class rather than a single substance with one formula, CAS number or hazard classification."],"structure":{"bundles":[{"id":"humectant-role-and-material","name":"Humectant role and material","description":"Establishes what material is being assessed and what moisture-related function it is intended to perform.","layers":[{"id":"functional-boundary","name":"Functional boundary","description":"Separates humectancy from neighbouring moisture-control and sensory functions.","findings":[{"id":"intended-moisture-function","name":"Intended moisture function","description":"Record the target that should retain water and the evidence needed to attribute that effect to humectancy.","questions":[{"text":"What material or matrix should retain moisture, and what observable result defines successful humectancy?","id":"intended-moisture-function-q01","kind":"definition"},{"text":"Does the proposed use retain water in that target, remove water from its surroundings, reduce evaporation through a barrier, or combine these functions?","id":"intended-moisture-function-q02","kind":"boundary"}]}]},{"id":"supplied-material","name":"Supplied material","description":"Identifies the substance or mixture that performs the role, including its supplied water content and grade.","findings":[{"id":"identity-grade-and-basis","name":"Identity, grade and concentration basis","description":"Record the actual supplied composition so that identity, dosing and suitability refer to the same material.","questions":[{"text":"Which substance or mixture performs the humectant role, and which supplier specification or analytical record establishes its identity, composition and grade?","id":"identity-grade-and-basis-q01","kind":"provenance"},{"text":"How much water and active humectant does the supplied material contain, and on what basis is the intended dose expressed?","id":"identity-grade-and-basis-q02","kind":"measurement"}]}]}]},{"id":"water-interaction","name":"Water interaction","description":"Characterises moisture uptake, release and water availability under stated conditions.","layers":[{"id":"sorption-and-equilibration","name":"Sorption and equilibration","description":"Describes how moisture content responds to environmental conditions and exposure history.","findings":[{"id":"conditioned-water-exchange","name":"Conditioned water exchange","description":"Record water uptake and release with sufficient conditioning detail to distinguish equilibrium behaviour from transient results.","questions":[{"text":"What adsorption and desorption data exist across the intended humidity and temperature range, expressed on a defined dry-material basis?","id":"conditioned-water-exchange-q01","kind":"measurement"},{"text":"What initial moisture content, exposure duration and equilibrium criterion were used to obtain those data?","id":"conditioned-water-exchange-q02","kind":"provenance"}]}]},{"id":"water-content-and-activity","name":"Water content and activity","description":"Separates the amount of retained water from its measured availability in a formulation.","findings":[{"id":"matrix-water-status","name":"Matrix water status","description":"Record water content and water activity as distinct properties of a specified matrix.","questions":[{"text":"What water content and water activity are measured at each relevant humectant concentration and temperature?","id":"matrix-water-status-q01","kind":"measurement"},{"text":"Which conclusions require separate preservation or stability evidence beyond the measured water activity and moisture retention?","id":"matrix-water-status-q02","kind":"boundary"}]}]}]},{"id":"formulation-performance","name":"Formulation performance","description":"Tests whether moisture behaviour produces the intended outcome in the target matrix.","layers":[{"id":"retention-benefit","name":"Retention benefit","description":"Defines the desired moisture outcome and a comparison that can establish its magnitude.","findings":[{"id":"controlled-retention-result","name":"Controlled retention result","description":"Record moisture retention over time against an appropriate control and application-specific acceptance criteria.","questions":[{"text":"How does water loss or retained moisture compare with a control under the intended exposure duration, humidity, temperature and packaging conditions?","id":"controlled-retention-result-q01","kind":"measurement"},{"text":"What retention threshold and associated texture or handling outcome justify selecting this humectant and dose?","id":"controlled-retention-result-q02","kind":"action"}]}]},{"id":"matrix-compatibility","name":"Matrix compatibility","description":"Examines incorporation and interactions that may limit an otherwise useful moisture-retention effect.","findings":[{"id":"compatibility-and-performance-limits","name":"Compatibility and performance limits","description":"Record solubility, physical stability and application-relevant side effects at the proposed concentration.","questions":[{"text":"At the intended dose and processing conditions, does the humectant remain incorporated without crystallisation, precipitation or phase separation?","id":"compatibility-and-performance-limits-q01","kind":"measurement"},{"text":"Which observed changes in viscosity, tack, texture or other application-relevant properties require adjusting the dose or choosing another material?","id":"compatibility-and-performance-limits-q02","kind":"action"}]}]}]},{"id":"use-and-storage-constraints","name":"Use and storage constraints","description":"Connects the selected humectant to permitted applications, exposure conditions and controls on moisture exchange before use.","layers":[{"id":"application-and-exposure","name":"Application and exposure","description":"Links suitability decisions to the exact material, grade, product category and exposure route.","findings":[{"id":"documented-use-envelope","name":"Documented use envelope","description":"Record the evidence and requirements governing the proposed use without assigning class-wide safety or regulatory status.","questions":[{"text":"Which dated authoritative records establish identity, purity and concentration requirements for this material in the intended product category and jurisdiction?","id":"documented-use-envelope-q01","kind":"provenance"},{"text":"What material-specific hazard and exposure evidence supports or restricts the proposed route, concentration and duration of use?","id":"documented-use-envelope-q02","kind":"action"}]}]},{"id":"storage-moisture-control","name":"Storage moisture control","description":"Addresses moisture exchange that changes ingredient condition or dosing before incorporation.","findings":[{"id":"storage-condition-and-retest","name":"Storage condition and retest","description":"Define checks for moisture-related changes that could make an ingredient unsuitable or invalidate its concentration basis.","questions":[{"text":"How do storage humidity, temperature and container opening affect measured water content, assay, flow or physical state?","id":"storage-condition-and-retest-q01","kind":"measurement"},{"text":"Which observed changes trigger retesting, dose recalculation or rejection before the material is incorporated?","id":"storage-condition-and-retest-q02","kind":"action"}]}]}]},{"id":"evidence-and-external-alignment","name":"Evidence and external alignment","description":"What the world already says about this thing, gathered so the model can be checked against it.","layers":[{"id":"reported-evidence","name":"Reported evidence","description":"Findings from the breadth pass, kept separate from the structural claims.","findings":[{"id":"evidence-confidence-notes","name":"Check these first","description":"Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these check these first hold for the sense of humectant this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-confidence-notes-q01","kind":"provenance"}]},{"id":"evidence-kinds","name":"Kinds and varieties","description":"Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these kinds and varieties hold for the sense of humectant this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-kinds-q01","kind":"provenance"}]},{"id":"evidence-identifiers","name":"Identifiers and schemes","description":"Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these identifiers and schemes hold for the sense of humectant this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-identifiers-q01","kind":"provenance"}]},{"id":"evidence-standards-and-regulation","name":"Standards and regulation","description":"Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these standards and regulation hold for the sense of humectant this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-standards-and-regulation-q01","kind":"provenance"}]},{"id":"evidence-real-world-use","name":"Real-world use","description":"Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these real-world use hold for the sense of humectant this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-real-world-use-q01","kind":"provenance"}]},{"id":"evidence-measurements","name":"Typical measurements","description":"Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these typical measurements hold for the sense of humectant this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-measurements-q01","kind":"provenance"}]},{"id":"evidence-failure-modes-and-hazards","name":"Failure modes and hazards","description":"Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these failure modes and hazards hold for the sense of humectant this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-failure-modes-and-hazards-q01","kind":"provenance"}]},{"id":"evidence-regional-variation","name":"Regional variation","description":"Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these regional variation hold for the sense of humectant this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-regional-variation-q01","kind":"provenance"}]},{"id":"evidence-neighbours","name":"Neighbouring kinds and how to tell them apart","description":"Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these neighbouring kinds and how to tell them apart hold for the sense of humectant this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-neighbours-q01","kind":"provenance"}]}]}]}]},"agentConduct":{"may":["Identify a humectant in an ingredient list and explain its function.","Check whether a humectant is permitted for a stated use, such as food or cosmetics."],"mustNot":["Recommend an industrial-grade substance for food, medicine or cosmetics.","Misstate the safety of a humectant for a specific use or population.","Hide a humectant that a person has declared an allergy or intolerance to."],"requiresHuman":["Reformulating a food or cosmetic product sold to the public."]},"ethics":{"considerations":["Consumers rely on honest ingredient information.","Some humectants are unsafe for pets or certain groups, so context matters."],"affectedParties":["Consumers","Pets","Product makers"]},"owners":{"steward":"The maker of the product; food and cosmetic regulators set the rules for permitted use.","roles":[],"masterSystems":[]},"relations":[{"target":"Q189567","type":"parent","note":"registry parent class"},{"target":"Q902638","type":"parent","note":"registry parent class"}],"interaction":{"identity":{"applicability":"required","items":["Vercy registry: vr.tr.humectant","Wikidata: Q911854 (https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q911854)"]},"properties":{"applicability":"required","items":["Material identity and composition: Links to identified substances or mixtures, component mass fractions and applicable identifiers","Grade and impurity specification: Supplier grade, applicable specification, assay basis and impurity limits","Humectant concentration: Mass fraction or % w/w, specifying active-material versus supplied-material basis","Moisture sorption behaviour: g water/g dry material against relative humidity (%) at stated temperature (°C), with adsorption or desorption branch","Water activity in the target matrix: Dimensionless aw from 0 to 1 at stated temperature and composition","Moisture-retention performance: Water content or water loss over time, with units, control formulation and exposure conditions","Physical state and incorporation behaviour: Solid, liquid or solution; dissolved, dispersed, crystallised or phase-separated at stated conditions","Application suitability: Intended use, exposure route, jurisdiction, dated requirement and supporting assessment"]},"recognition":{"applicability":"required","items":["Usually clear syrupy liquids or white crystalline solids, so the label settles identity.","Named on labels by name or additive number, such as glycerol or sorbitol."]},"capabilities":{"applicability":"required","items":["Classify a material's humectant role for a specified application using functional evidence.","Compare candidate materials at defined concentrations and environmental conditions.","Specify moisture-sorption and retention tests with appropriate formulation controls.","Identify compatibility or handling conditions that could undermine moisture retention.","Check whether the material's grade and documented use constraints match the proposed application."]},"hazards":{"applicability":"required","items":["Excess intake of some humectants can cause digestive upset.","Some are toxic to animals or unsafe in certain products."]},"interfaces":{"applicability":"required","items":["Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives, European Union, which lists humectants as a functional class."]},"context":{"applicability":"required","items":["Humectants are used in foods, cosmetics and pharmaceutical formulations to retain moisture and reduce drying.","They are also used in materials such as paper and textiles where moisture content affects flexibility and handling.","Their suitability depends on the surrounding humidity, the other ingredients and the moisture balance required by the product."]}},"sources":[{"title":"Wikidata item Q911854: humectant","url":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q911854","note":"identity and sense of the item"},{"title":"Wikipedia: Humectant","url":"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humectant","note":"general description of the item"}],"openQuestions":["Does the registry intend humectant to include functional mixtures and nontraditional water-retaining materials, or a narrower class of ingredients?","Which application domains need distinct performance criteria, and which humectancy measurements can meaningfully be compared across them?","Which authoritative methods and reference conditions should govern sorption, moisture-retention and water-activity measurements?","What minimum evidence distinguishes a demonstrated humectant role from a supplier claim or an inference based only on hygroscopicity?","Which existing Vercy substance and formulation models should supply chemical identity, hazard and product-level evidence without duplicating those models?"],"resources":{"spec":"/models/things/publications/thing-q911854/spec.json"},"provenance":{"origin":"thing registry research (pass 2)","builtFrom":["models/things/publications/thing-q911854/spec.json"],"providers":["Codex"],"researchStatus":"unreviewed","generatedAt":"2026-09-12T10:20:55Z","builder":"tools/build_cards.py@1.0.0"},"completeness":{"sections":{"classifiers":"filled","whatItIs":"filled","purpose":"filled","distinguishingFeatures":"filled","structure":"filled","agentConduct":"filled","ethics":"filled","owners":"filled","relations":"filled","interaction.identity":"filled","interaction.properties":"filled","interaction.recognition":"filled","interaction.capabilities":"filled","interaction.hazards":"filled","interaction.interfaces":"filled","interaction.context":"filled","sources":"filled"},"notes":{"_gate":"Published through the thing publication gate 1.0 on 2026-10-07T10:10:33+00:00: completeness 1.00; sense: Wikidata description; 2 live sources; review by codex: pass"},"score":1.0}}