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What is the main function of emulsifiers in skin care products?

  1. To moisturize the skin

  2. To combine oil and water

  3. To strengthen skin barrier

  4. To exfoliate skin

The correct answer is: To combine oil and water

Emulsifiers play a crucial role in skin care products by combining oil and water, allowing them to mix and stabilize together. Since oil and water naturally do not blend, emulsifiers serve as surfactants that reduce the surface tension between these two substances, enabling them to form a stable emulsion. This is particularly important in many creams and lotions, where a smooth and uniform texture is desired. The ability of emulsifiers to create a stable mixture enhances the overall efficacy of the product, ensuring that the beneficial ingredients can be evenly distributed and effectively applied to the skin. Thus, emulsifiers facilitate the formulation of various textures in skin care products, ensuring that they are pleasant to use and effective in delivering active ingredients to the skin.