What term describes the ingredients that give the desired effect in a product?

The term that accurately describes the ingredients responsible for producing the desired effects in a product is "active ingredients." Active ingredients are specifically formulated to provide targeted benefits, such as anti-aging effects, hydration, or acne treatment. These components are essential in formulations because they directly affect the skin's condition, delivering therapeutic benefits where they are needed most.

Humectants are substances that attract moisture to the skin, aiding in hydration but not necessarily providing therapeutic effects. Emollients serve to soften and smooth the skin by creating a barrier to retain moisture, while surfactants primarily act to cleanse by helping to lift dirt and oil from the skin’s surface. Each of these has an important role in skincare products, but they do not contribute to the primary effects in the same way that active ingredients do. Thus, understanding the function of active ingredients is crucial for anyone working in esthetics, as these are the elements that differentiate products based on their effectiveness in achieving specific skincare goals.