What is the main ingredient in an oil in water emulsion?

In an oil in water emulsion, the primary characteristic is that water is the continuous phase, while oil is dispersed throughout this phase. This means that water constitutes the bulk of the mixture and is essential for its formulation.

When discussing emulsions, the primary ingredient is determined by the phase that dominates the mixture. Since water is the continuous phase in this type of emulsion, it plays a critical role in its properties and performance.

Emulsifying wax is an ingredient that helps stabilize the emulsion but is not the main component. Similarly, although oil and glycerin are significant parts of emulsion formulations, they do not surpass the critical role of water in this type of system. Thus, emphasis on water as the predominant ingredient highlights its essential function in forming and stabilizing the emulsion.