What ingredients in products are responsible for texture?

The correct answer is that functional ingredients are responsible for the texture of products. These ingredients are specifically formulated to provide certain characteristics to a product's formulation, such as creaminess, thickness, or smoothness. They can include a variety of substances, such as emulsifiers, thickeners, and stabilizers, which work together to create the desired consistency and tactile feel of the product.

Active ingredients, on the other hand, primarily focus on providing the product's intended benefit, such as therapeutic effects or performance features, rather than influencing texture. Preservatives are included in formulations to prevent microbial growth and extend shelf life, and they do not contribute to texture. Colorants are used to alter the visual appearance of a product, adding color rather than affecting how the product feels when applied or used. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the unique roles different types of ingredients play in product formulation.