Emulsifier

An emulsifier is an ingredient, often a type of **surfactant**, that acts as a stabilizer to mix and hold together two liquids that normally do not blend, such as oil and water.

In cosmetics, emulsifiers are crucial for creating a stable, homogeneous mixture (an emulsion) like a cream or lotion, ensuring a smooth texture and preventing the oil and water phases from separating. They work by having both oil-loving (lipophilic) and water-loving (hydrophilic) parts, bridging the two incompatible phases.