What is the purpose of an emulsion agent in the hand cream?

So that the oil and water is mixed and not seperate when you apply the creamWhat is the purpose of an emulsion agent in the hand cream?
frequently some of the other ingredients so not blend with each other and could cause lumps. An emulsifying agent allows all the ingredients to blend. Example, an ingredient is water and another is petroleum jelly they would not mix..you know, the oil and water thing. an emulsifying agent allows them to mixWhat is the purpose of an emulsion agent in the hand cream?
It helps soften the hands. Conditioners also have emulsifying agents that soften the hair.