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What ingredient is known for concentrating emollients?

  1. Emulsifiers

  2. Humectants

  3. Surfactants

  4. Thickeners

The correct answer is: Humectants

The known function of emollients is to soften and smooth the skin, and they are often found in moisturizers and creams. Humectants are substances that draw moisture from the air into the skin and help retain that moisture. While humectants are crucial for hydration, they do not concentrate emollients directly. The ingredient most recognized for enhancing the effect of emollients is actually thickeners. Thickeners can help create a more substantial formulation, allowing emollients to remain on the skin longer and perform effectively. They contribute to the texture and feel of the product, enabling better application and adherence without making the skin feel greasy. Emulsifiers serve to blend oil and water in formulations, surfactants help with cleansing and foaming actions, and thickeners alter the viscosity of products. Each of these plays a distinct role in cosmetic formulations, with thickeners being particularly significant when discussing the concentration and efficacy of emollients.