Esthetician Practice Exam Esthetician Practice Esthetics Chemistry and Ingredients 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of acid is classified as a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) and is oil-soluble, making it effective for penetrating pores?
- Glycolic acid
- Lactic acid
- Salicylic acid (Correct answer)
- Mandelic acid
Correct answer: Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate sebum-filled pores and exfoliate inside the follicle, making it especially effective for acne-prone and oily skin.
Question 2: What is the role of a humectant in a skincare product?
- To create a barrier that locks moisture into the skin
- To attract and bind water molecules to the skin (Correct answer)
- To emulsify oil and water into a stable mixture
- To lower the pH of a formulation
Correct answer: To attract and bind water molecules to the skin
Humectants such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin work by attracting water molecules from the environment and the deeper layers of the skin, drawing moisture into the stratum corneum.
Question 3: Which of the following best describes the function of a preservative in a cosmetic formulation?
- To improve the texture and spreadability of a product
- To enhance the fragrance profile of the product
- To prevent microbial growth and extend shelf life (Correct answer)
- To increase the concentration of active ingredients
Correct answer: To prevent microbial growth and extend shelf life
Preservatives such as parabens, phenoxyethanol, and benzyl alcohol are added to cosmetic formulations to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast, thereby preventing spoilage and ensuring product safety.
Question 4: Retinol is a form of which vitamin, commonly used in anti-aging skincare products?
- Vitamin B3
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin A (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Vitamin A
Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A. It works by accelerating cell turnover and stimulating collagen production, which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.
Question 5: What term describes an ingredient that helps other ingredients penetrate more deeply into the skin?
- Occlusive
- Penetration enhancer (Correct answer)
- Chelating agent
- Surfactant
Correct answer: Penetration enhancer
A penetration enhancer is an ingredient that temporarily alters the skin's barrier to allow active ingredients to pass more deeply into the stratum corneum and beyond, increasing their efficacy.
Question 6: Niacinamide is a form of which B vitamin, known for brightening skin tone and reducing pore appearance?
- Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
- Vitamin B5 (panthenol)
- Vitamin B3 (nicotinic acid) (Correct answer)
- Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
Correct answer: Vitamin B3 (nicotinic acid)
Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of Vitamin B3. It inhibits the transfer of melanosomes to skin cells, helping to reduce hyperpigmentation, minimize pore appearance, and strengthen the skin barrier.
Esthetician Practice Exam Esthetician Practice Esthetics Chemistry and Ingredients 1
Which type of acid is classified as a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) and is oil-soluble, making it effective for penetrating pores?