Ingredients in cosmetic products that function to let the products spread more easily are also known as?

The correct answer identifies a category of ingredients known as surfactants, which are pivotal in cosmetic formulations. Surfactants are compounds that lower the surface tension between two substances, such as oil and water. This property enables them to enhance the spreadability of products, making them easier to apply on the skin.

Surfactants can assist in the formation of emulsions, which are mixtures of oil and water, allowing for a uniform texture in creams and lotions. Their ability to facilitate the interaction between different ingredients ensures that cosmetic products adhere better and are more effective when applied to the skin.

It is important to understand the other types of ingredients mentioned. Emulsifiers, while also helping to mix oil and water, focus more on stabilizing these mixtures rather than purely enhancing spreadability. Preservatives are used to extend the shelf life of products by preventing microbial growth, and thickeners are added to increase viscosity, creating a richer texture in formulations but not directly aiding in spreadability.

Hence, surfactants are specifically designed to improve the ease of application of cosmetic products, making them the appropriate choice for this question.