FREE Esthetician Practice Cosmetic Chemistry and Ingredients Questions and Answers

Question 1

A client with oily, congested, and acne-prone skin is looking for a chemical exfoliant. Which of the following ingredients would be MOST beneficial due to its oil-solubility and ability to exfoliate inside the pore lining?

Accepted Answer

Salicylic Acid

Answer

Salicylic acid is a Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA), which is oil-soluble. This property allows it to penetrate into the pores to exfoliate dead skin cells and dissolve sebum, making it highly effective for treating acne and congestion. AHAs like glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acid are water-soluble and work primarily on the skin's surface.

Question 2

When examining the ingredient label of a cosmetic product, how are the ingredients required to be listed according to INCI regulations?

Accepted Answer

In descending order of predominance by weight

Answer

The International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) system requires that ingredients be listed in descending order of concentration from highest to lowest. Ingredients present at a concentration of 1% or less may be listed in any order after those present at more than 1%.

Question 3

Lotions and creams are examples of what type of cosmetic formulation, which consists of two or more immiscible substances (like oil and water) united with the aid of a binder?

Accepted Answer

Emulsions

Answer

Emulsions are mixtures of oil and water, which normally do not mix. An ingredient called an emulsifier is added to join these two phases together to create a stable product like a cream or lotion. Solutions are stable mixtures of soluble ingredients, suspensions contain solid particles distributed in a liquid, and anhydrous bases contain no water.

Question 4

A client with dehydrated skin would benefit most from products containing ingredients that attract and bind water to the skin. Which of the following ingredients is a powerful humectant known for this property?

Accepted Answer

Hyaluronic Acid

Answer

Hyaluronic acid is a potent humectant that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it excellent for hydrating the skin by drawing moisture in. Petrolatum and Dimethicone are primarily occlusive and emollient, forming a barrier to prevent water loss, while Cetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol used as an emulsifier or thickener.

Question 5

What is the primary function of antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E, in a skincare formulation?

Accepted Answer

To neutralize free radicals and prevent oxidative damage

Answer

Antioxidants are molecules that protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable atoms generated by UV exposure and pollution. They work by donating an electron to stabilize the free radical, preventing it from causing cellular damage, which contributes to premature aging.

Esthetician Practice Exam Practice Test

Esthetician Practice Exam Practice Test

FREE Esthetician Practice Cosmetic Chemistry and Ingredients Questions and Answers