emollient
1 of 2adjective
emol·lient i-ˈmäl-yənt 
1
: making soft or supple
also : soothing especially to the skin or mucous membrane
an emollient hand lotion
2
: making less intense or harsh : mollifying
soothe us in our agonies with emollient words
H. L. Mencken
H. L. Menckenemollient
2 of 2noun
: something that softens or soothes
Did you know?
Emollient derives from the present participle of the Latin verb emollire, which, unsurprisingly, means "to soften or soothe." Emollire, in turn, derives ultimately from mollis, meaning "soft." Another descendant of mollis is mollify (essentially meaning "to make softer in temper or disposition"). A more distant relative is mild, which can be traced back to the same ancient source as mollis. The adjective emollient first appeared in print in English in the early 1600s; the noun arrived on the scene soon after.
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Blake Newby, Essence, 17 Aug. 2022 Some are gentle and emollient, while others can be harsh and astringent. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 2 June 2022 The emollient-rich formula is also moisturizing, which helps eliminate streaks when working it into your skin and offers just the right amount of dewiness. Theresa Holland, PEOPLE.com, 6 June 2022 This gentle cleanser is formulated with an emollient-rich surfactant and 3% concentration of key ingredients combining allantoin, glycerin, and orange oil to calm irritated skin while softening and restoring the skin’s surface. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 13 May 2022 Plus, ultra-emollient squalane and jojoba oil combine to nourish and soften the skin for a dewy glow. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 7 Apr. 2022 Some are gentle and emollient, while others can be harsh and astringent. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 7 Apr. 2022 Next, Devgan recommends adding an emollient moisturizer into your lineup. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 26 Jan. 2022 Often, those with dry skin types will benefit from using an emollient-rich body wash that has hydrating ingredients (but of course, this requires knowing what those ingredients are). Joseph Deacetis, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2021 Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 26 May 2022 Pineapple extract soothes and softens the skin while honey melon extract delivers a host of vitamins and nutrients, and shea butter comes in as a rich emollient. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 2 June 2022 Cucumber is an emollient and softener which cools the skin, while elderberry botanical extract is touted for its anti-inflammatory, calming, and soothing properties. The Salt Lake Tribune, 12 May 2022 This multitasking oil also contains emollient properties, provides antioxidants to fight oxidative stress and inflammation, has antimicrobial benefits, and even gets your skin rolling on collagen production. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 12 May 2022 The coconut derivative in this body wash is an emollient that helps condition the skin and heal any rough, dry areas of the skin. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 3 June 2022 For shiny hair that rivals that of shampoo commercial model's, this hydrating hemisqualane and emollient blend delivers a silky finish and tames flyaways. Health.com, 20 Apr. 2022 Pineapple extract soothes and softens the skin while honey melon extract delivers a host of vitamins and nutrients, and shea butter comes in as a rich emollient. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 2 June 2022 Shake the product to activate the two-phase product, which uses a lipid phase to easily lift heavy waterproof mascara and other cosmetics and an emollient phase that clears away makeup residue. Celia Shatzman, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 May 2022 See More
Adjective
Hair-mask is a silicone-free, creamy deep conditioner infused with emollient rich super-fruits, like Australia Kakadu Plum and Starflower Oil. Blake Newby, Essence, 17 Aug. 2022 Some are gentle and emollient, while others can be harsh and astringent. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 2 June 2022 The emollient-rich formula is also moisturizing, which helps eliminate streaks when working it into your skin and offers just the right amount of dewiness. Theresa Holland, PEOPLE.com, 6 June 2022 This gentle cleanser is formulated with an emollient-rich surfactant and 3% concentration of key ingredients combining allantoin, glycerin, and orange oil to calm irritated skin while softening and restoring the skin’s surface. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 13 May 2022 Plus, ultra-emollient squalane and jojoba oil combine to nourish and soften the skin for a dewy glow. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 7 Apr. 2022 Some are gentle and emollient, while others can be harsh and astringent. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 7 Apr. 2022 Next, Devgan recommends adding an emollient moisturizer into your lineup. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 26 Jan. 2022 Often, those with dry skin types will benefit from using an emollient-rich body wash that has hydrating ingredients (but of course, this requires knowing what those ingredients are). Joseph Deacetis, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2021 Noun
Coco-caprylate, derived from coconut, is a natural emollient that both softens and soothes the skin. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 26 May 2022 Pineapple extract soothes and softens the skin while honey melon extract delivers a host of vitamins and nutrients, and shea butter comes in as a rich emollient. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 2 June 2022 Cucumber is an emollient and softener which cools the skin, while elderberry botanical extract is touted for its anti-inflammatory, calming, and soothing properties. The Salt Lake Tribune, 12 May 2022 This multitasking oil also contains emollient properties, provides antioxidants to fight oxidative stress and inflammation, has antimicrobial benefits, and even gets your skin rolling on collagen production. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 12 May 2022 The coconut derivative in this body wash is an emollient that helps condition the skin and heal any rough, dry areas of the skin. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 3 June 2022 For shiny hair that rivals that of shampoo commercial model's, this hydrating hemisqualane and emollient blend delivers a silky finish and tames flyaways. Health.com, 20 Apr. 2022 Pineapple extract soothes and softens the skin while honey melon extract delivers a host of vitamins and nutrients, and shea butter comes in as a rich emollient. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 2 June 2022 Shake the product to activate the two-phase product, which uses a lipid phase to easily lift heavy waterproof mascara and other cosmetics and an emollient phase that clears away makeup residue. Celia Shatzman, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 May 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Adjective
Latin emollient-, emolliens, present participle of emollire to soften, from e- + mollis soft — more at mollify
First Known Use
Adjective
1626, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Noun
1656, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
emollient 1 of 2
adjective
emol·lient i-ˈmäl-yənt
: making soft or supple
also : soothing especially to the skin or mucous membrane
emollient
2 of 2noun
: an emollient agent
an emollient for the hands
emollient
adjective
as in softening
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- softening
- cushioning
- compassionate
- merciful
- buffering
- clement
- lenient
- smooth
- soothing
- slick
- easy
- sleek
- mild
- gentle
- benign
- serene
- calm
- tranquil
- pacific
- peaceful
- placid
- light
- bland
- nonabrasive
- quiet
- soft
- mellow
- balmy
- tender
- delicate
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- caustic
- abrasive
- powerful
- coarse
- harsh
- stern
- rough
- forceful
- exquisite
- intense
- severe
- hard
- ungentle
- forcible
- scathing
- irritating
- violent
- roughened
- strong
- savage
- fierce
- rugged
- stiff
- oppressive
- gruff
- rude
- grim
- roughening
- pitiless
- abrading
- tyrannical
- heavy-handed
- tyrannic