Which type of ingredient is most likely to be classified as a gellant?

Thickening agents are essential in formulating cosmetic products, particularly in creating gels or gel-like textures. These ingredients help to increase the viscosity of a product, giving it the desired thickness and a more stable structure. This gel formation allows for better application, stability, and a more appealing feel on the skin.

In contrast, hydrating substances, although important for moisturizing and improving skin texture, do not inherently provide the structural thickness or gel consistency that gellants do. Lightweight oils are typically fluid and would not contribute to the gel-like consistency sought after when classifying gellants. Cleansing agents, meanwhile, primarily serve the purpose of removing dirt and oils from the skin rather than contributing to the texture and thickness of a product. Therefore, thickening agents are specifically designed to create a gel consistency, making them the most identifiable type of gellant in cosmetic formulations.