CAC CAC Product Knowledge & Cosmeceuticals 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which ingredient class functions as a chemical exfoliant by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells in the stratum corneum?
- Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) (Correct answer)
- Emollients
- Occlusives
- Humectants
Correct answer: Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)
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:
- Stimulating collagen synthesis and accelerating epidermal cell turnover (Correct answer)
- Deeply moisturizing the dermis
- Blocking UV radiation
- Reducing sebaceous gland size permanently
Correct answer: Stimulating collagen synthesis and accelerating epidermal cell turnover
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?
- Humectant (Correct answer)
- Occlusive
- Emollient
- Keratolytic
Correct answer: Humectant
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:
- A category that does not officially exist under US law — products are either cosmetics or drugs (Correct answer)
- Over-the-counter drugs requiring monograph compliance
- Prescription-only topical agents
- Medical devices regulated by CDRH
Correct 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.
Question 5: Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is valued in aesthetic formulations primarily for which benefit?
- Reducing hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanosome transfer to keratinocytes (Correct answer)
- Physically blocking UV rays
- Dissolving comedones through chemical exfoliation
- Providing deep dermal hydration via injection
Correct 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.
Question 6: An SPF 30 sunscreen, when used correctly, blocks approximately what percentage of UVB rays?
- 97% (Correct answer)
- 70%
- 99%
- 50%
Correct answer: 97%
SPF 30 filters approximately 97% of UVB radiation, while SPF 50 filters about 98%, demonstrating diminishing returns at higher SPF values.
CAC CAC Product Knowledge & Cosmeceuticals 1
Which ingredient class functions as a chemical exfoliant by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells in the stratum corneum?