Question

What ingredient is used in cosmetic products to keep them firm, yet soft and easy to apply to the skin?

Answer 1

This could be any one of a number of additives....

Explanation:

A common addition to most cosmetics is wool-fat, lanolin, which is secreted by the fleeces of sheep. If you ever shake the hand of a shearer, their hands are usually beautifully soft, even despite the hard work that they do, and this is the effect of the lanolin. You could probably buy a pot of purified lanolin from a pharmacist for nix....and it is principle ingredient of lipsticks.