Wisconsin Esthetics State Board Practice Test

Which ingredient is used to increase density in emulsions?

1. Surfactants

2. Thickeners

3. Chelating agents

4. Active ingredients

The correct answer is: Thickeners

Thickeners are crucial in the formulation of emulsions as they effectively enhance the viscosity and density of the mixture. By absorbing water and creating a gel-like substance, thickeners help stabilize the emulsion, preventing the separation of the oil and water phases. This stabilizing action is essential for the overall consistency and feel of the product, making it more appealing for use in esthetics and skincare. Surfactants, while important for emulsification, primarily serve to reduce surface tension between oil and water, facilitating the blending of these two immiscible components. However, they do not significantly increase the density of the emulsion. Chelating agents are utilized to bind metal ions, which can otherwise destabilize formulations; they do not contribute to the thickening or density of the emulsion. Active ingredients are the components responsible for the main effects of a product, such as hydration or anti-aging benefits, but they do not inherently contribute to the density of emulsions. Thus, thickeners specifically target the goal of increasing density, making them the appropriate choice for this question.