Esthetician Practice Exam Esthetician Practice Esthetics Chemistry and Ingredients Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which ingredient is commonly used in chemical exfoliants to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells?
- Glycolic acid (Correct answer)
- Zinc oxide
- Titanium dioxide
- Cetyl alcohol
Correct answer: Glycolic acid
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that works by dissolving the intercellular cement between corneocytes, promoting exfoliation.
Question 2: What is the primary function of an emulsifier in a skincare formulation?
- To preserve the product from bacteria
- To blend oil and water phases together (Correct answer)
- To increase the SPF rating
- To add fragrance to the product
Correct answer: To blend oil and water phases together
Emulsifiers reduce surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to form a stable, uniform mixture.
Question 3: Which vitamin is also known as ascorbic acid and is used in skincare for its antioxidant and brightening properties?
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin C (Correct answer)
- Vitamin D
Correct answer: Vitamin C
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a potent antioxidant that inhibits melanin production and promotes collagen synthesis.
Question 4: What pH range is considered optimal for the acid mantle of healthy skin?
- 2.0 to 3.5
- 4.5 to 5.5 (Correct answer)
- 7.0 to 7.5
- 8.0 to 9.0
Correct answer: 4.5 to 5.5
The acid mantle maintains a slightly acidic pH of 4.5 to 5.5, which helps protect against harmful bacteria and environmental stressors.
Question 5: Which ingredient is a humectant that attracts moisture from the environment to the skin?
- Dimethicone
- Petrolatum
- Hyaluronic acid (Correct answer)
- Beeswax
Correct answer: Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant capable of holding up to 1,000 times its weight in water, drawing moisture into the skin.
Question 6: Salicylic acid is classified as which type of hydroxy acid?
- Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA)
- Beta hydroxy acid (BHA) (Correct answer)
- Polyhydroxy acid (PHA)
- Gamma hydroxy acid
Correct answer: Beta hydroxy acid (BHA)
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate into pores and treat acne effectively.
Which ingredient is commonly used in chemical exfoliants to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells?