Which type of ingredient enhances the performance of other ingredients in a formulation?

The type of ingredient that enhances the performance of other ingredients in a formulation is known as performance ingredients. These ingredients play a crucial role in boosting the overall effectiveness of a product by improving how other active or functional ingredients work.

For instance, in skincare formulations, a performance ingredient may increase the absorption of active ingredients, enhance skin penetration, or improve the texture and feel of the product. By optimizing the functional aspects of a formulation, performance ingredients help ensure that the product delivers maximum benefits to the user.

The other options refer to different categories of ingredients: active ingredients typically have specific therapeutic or functional roles (like treating a condition), functional ingredients serve specific purposes like stabilizing or emulsifying products, and emollients are primarily used to soften and smooth the skin without necessarily enhancing the actions of other ingredients. Understanding the distinct roles of these ingredients helps in formulating effective products in various applications.