CAC CAC Product Knowledge & Cosmeceuticals

Question 1

Which ingredient class functions as a chemical exfoliant by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells in the stratum corneum?

Accepted Answer

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)

Answer

AHAs such as glycolic and lactic acid reduce corneocyte cohesion, promoting desquamation and surface cell turnover.

Question 2

Retinoids improve signs of photoaging primarily by:

Accepted Answer

Stimulating collagen synthesis and accelerating epidermal cell turnover

Answer

Retinoids bind to nuclear receptors and upregulate collagen production while normalizing keratinocyte differentiation.

Question 3

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is classified as which type of moisturizing ingredient?

Accepted Answer

Humectant

Answer

Humectants like hyaluronic acid attract and bind water molecules from the environment and deeper skin layers to hydrate the stratum corneum.

Question 4

The FDA classifies cosmeceuticals as:

Accepted Answer

A category that does not officially exist under US law — products are either cosmetics or drugs

Answer

The FDA recognizes only two categories — cosmetics and drugs — so 'cosmeceutical' is a marketing term with no legal standing in the US.

Question 5

Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is valued in aesthetic formulations primarily for which benefit?

Accepted Answer

Reducing hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanosome transfer to keratinocytes

Answer

Niacinamide interrupts the transfer of melanin-containing melanosomes from melanocytes to keratinocytes, visibly reducing dark spots.

(CAC) Certified Aesthetic Consultant Practice Test