Which ingredient would you expect to enhance the density of a lotion?

Humectants are ingredients that attract moisture and help retain it in the skin, contributing to a lotion's overall texture and body. When integrated into a formulation, humectants can create a thicker, denser feel because they bind water and help keep skin hydrated. This not only improves the lotion's effectiveness but also enhances its sensory profile, making it feel richer and more substantial upon application.

While glycerin is also a humectant, it specifically functions to draw water into the skin but does not inherently change the density of a lotion in the same manner as a broader class of humectants could. Silicones provide a silky feel and can add some density, but their primary function is to create a protective barrier rather than enhance density per se. Water, on the other hand, typically reduces the viscosity of a lotion and would not contribute to enhanced density.

In summary, humectants are essential in formulating lotions to achieve that desirable density through their moisture-binding qualities, making them the most suitable choice for this question.