What is primarily responsible for making a cream dense?

The density of a cream is primarily influenced by its formulation, with emulsifiers playing a critical role in this aspect. Emulsifiers are ingredients that help blend water and oil components within a cream, creating a stable and homogeneous mixture. The presence of these emulsifiers increases the viscosity and overall thickness of the cream, contributing significantly to its density.

Humectants, while important for retaining moisture and providing hydration to the skin, do not contribute to the thickness or density of the cream itself. They work by attracting water to the skin, thus enhancing the cream's moisturizing properties but not affecting its texture or density in the same way that emulsifiers do.

Preservatives and fragrances serve other specific functions within a cream formulation. Preservatives are critical for preventing microbial growth and extending the shelf life of the product, while fragrances are added for scent and do not influence the cream's density. Therefore, while humectants are beneficial for skin hydration, they do not primarily determine the density of the cream.