Cholesterol

Softens and smooths.

What it is

A waxy substance found naturally in the skin's outer layer. For cosmetics it is often taken from lanolin, the wax in sheep's wool.

Softens the skin and helps oil and water blend into a stable cream.

A short summary from the dictionary, not yet an in-depth article. About these entries

Softens and smoothsOfficial EU function: Skin conditioning - emollient

Helps oil and water mixOfficial EU function: Surfactant - emulsifying

Keeps skin in good conditionOfficial EU function: Skin conditioning

Gives the textureOfficial EU function: Viscosity controlling

Shields the formula from lightOfficial EU function: Light stabilizer