Drying agent found in vital cosmetics (4)
I believe the answer is:
talc
'drying agent' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both substances as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I can't see?
'in vital cosmetics' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'TALC' can be found hidden inside 'vital cosmetics'.
'found' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for talc that I've seen before include "Powder used as toiletry" , "Drier" , "It is used to absorb moisture" , "Cosmetic powder" , "Powdered mineral" .)