CAC Product Knowledge & Cosmeceuticals Flashcards

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

Answer: Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)

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

Retinoids improve signs of photoaging primarily by:

Answer: Stimulating collagen synthesis and accelerating epidermal cell turnover

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

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

Answer: Humectant

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

The FDA classifies cosmeceuticals as:

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

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

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

Answer: Reducing hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanosome transfer to keratinocytes

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

An SPF 30 sunscreen, when used correctly, blocks approximately what percentage of UVB rays?

Answer: 97%

SPF 30 filters approximately 97% of UVB radiation, while SPF 50 filters about 98%, demonstrating diminishing returns at higher SPF values.