Esthetician Practice Exam Esthetician Practice Chemistry and Product Ingredients 1

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) on the skin?

Accepted Answer

They loosen the bonds between corneocytes, promoting exfoliation of dead skin cells

Answer

AHAs such as glycolic and lactic acid work by weakening the intercellular adhesion between corneocytes (dead skin cells) in the stratum corneum, facilitating their shedding and revealing smoother, brighter skin underneath.

Question 2

What is the primary role of emollients in a skincare formulation?

Accepted Answer

To fill gaps between skin cells and smooth the skin's surface

Answer

Emollients such as squalane, shea butter, and fatty acids fill in the spaces between skin cells, creating a smoother surface texture and improving skin suppleness by preventing water from escaping.

Question 3

Which preservative system is most commonly used in natural or 'clean beauty' formulations as an alternative to parabens?

Accepted Answer

Phenoxyethanol

Answer

Phenoxyethanol is a widely accepted preservative in natural and clean beauty formulations because it is considered safer and less controversial than parabens or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, while still providing effective broad-spectrum antimicrobial protection.

Question 4

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is valued in skincare primarily because it:

Accepted Answer

Inhibits the transfer of melanosomes from melanocytes to keratinocytes

Answer

Niacinamide reduces hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone by interfering with the transfer of melanin-containing melanosomes from pigment-producing melanocytes to surrounding keratinocytes, without affecting melanin synthesis itself.

Question 5

Which of the following ingredient categories functions as a humectant?

Accepted Answer

Glycerin

Answer

Glycerin is a classic humectant — it attracts and binds water molecules from the environment and deeper skin layers to the stratum corneum, helping to maintain skin hydration. Cetyl alcohol is an emollient, dimethicone is an occlusive, and titanium dioxide is a physical sunscreen.

Esthetician Practice Exam Practice Test

Esthetician Practice Exam Practice Test

Esthetician Practice Exam Esthetician Practice Chemistry and Product Ingredients 1