Oregon Esthetician State Board

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What is the role of a chelating agent in cosmetics?

To thicken the product
To enhance fragrance
To improve preservative efficiency
To add color

The correct answer is: To improve preservative efficiency

A chelating agent plays a crucial role in cosmetics by binding to metal ions that can cause instability or promote the degradation of the product. By sequestering these metal ions, chelating agents help to improve the effectiveness of preservatives, which in turn protects the formulation from the deterioration that could be caused by these metals. This enhances the overall stability and efficacy of the cosmetic product, ensuring that it remains safe and effective for the consumer. In contrast, thickening agents are responsible for modifying the viscosity of a product, contributing to how it feels and applies on the skin. Enhancers of fragrance and color additives serve to improve the sensory experience and visual appeal of products, respectively, but they do not influence the stability or preservation of the formulation in the same way that chelating agents do. Therefore, recognizing the specific function of a chelating agent in stabilizing cosmetics reinforces its important role in preserving product quality.