What is the primary function of metal salts in cosmetics?

Metal salts in cosmetics primarily offer intense color due to their ability to absorb and reflect light in specific ways. They can be used as colorants in formulations, providing vibrant hues that enhance the aesthetic appeal of cosmetic products. This function is crucial in makeup and other color cosmetic products where achieving the desired shade is important for the consumer experience.

While some metal salts can have secondary benefits, such as acting as stabilizers or enhancing the lasting quality of pigments, their main role revolves around imparting color. Other functions like thickening agents or preservatives do not pertain to metal salts specifically, as each of those roles typically involves different types of compounds that perform those functions effectively. Thus, focusing on the intense color provided by metal salts highlights their significant contribution to cosmetic formulations.