They can be considered as Acids (lower the pH) and bases (raise the pH). 

These thicken the oil-soluble components of the product. 

impart softness to the skin by remaining on the upper layer of the skin and reduce flaking

blocks the evaporation of water from the surface of the skin, keeping it moist and increasing its water content 

They are used to protect the skin from UV radiation.

They adjust the pH of the product at the desired range

used to dissolve substances that are usually insoluble in a continuous medium

produce foam and clean the surface of the skin or hair

used to mix oils and water in an emulsion

These are liquids that are used to dissolve constituents or act as carriers in cosmetic products. 

These are used to condition and improve the hair’s appearance, gloss, and shine while facilitating styling and reducing the static of the hair. 

They improve the texture of the hair that has been dried through styling, chemical exposure, or environmental drying.

They provide consumers with the impression that the product is rich and creamy.

They are surface-active agents and have the ability to modify the surface of the substance

They are added to shampoos and shower gels to make them appear pearlescent. 

They prevent or retard microbial growth in cosmetics.

They are usually found in skin whitening or skin peel products in the presence of low pH.

They are used to hold the hair styles in place. 

This is used to enhance the products’ smell or to mask undesirable odors/scents

retard moisture loss by holding water within the surface layers of the skin and drawing in moisture from the air

These thicken the water-soluble components of the product.