| abstract |
An object of the present invention is to provide a humectant which is excellent in moisture retaining properties and stability at high temperature above 40° C., and a cosmetic and an external agent comprising the same. In order to achieve the object, the present invention provides a humectant comprising, a component A: an ester compound comprising at least one of glycerin and a condensate of the same, a straight chain saturated fatty acid having 16-28 carbons, and an aliphatic dibasic acid having 16-28 carbons, more than half of the hydroxyl groups of at least one of the glycerin and the condensate of the same remaining as hydroxyl groups in the ester compound; a component B: a dihydric water soluble alcohol; and a component C: a polyhydric water soluble alcohol which is trihydric or above. Further, the present invention provides a cosmetic and an external agent comprising the humectant. |