CHEMISTRY INGREDIENTS AND SELECTION
FINAL EXAMINATION 2026 FULL QUESTIONS
AND SOLUTIONS GRADED A+
◉ Alcohol. Answer: Antiseptic and solvent used in perfumes, lotions,
and astringents. SD alcohol is a special denatured ethyl alcohol.
◉ Algae. Answer: seaweed derivatives used as thickening agents, water-
binding agents, and antioxidants; also nourishes the skin with vitamins
and minerals
◉ Alginate. Answer: Often seaweed based mask applied after a serum or
treatment cream. They come in powder form and are mixed with water
or serums, and dry to form a rubberized texture.
◉ Allantoin. Answer: derived from the root of the comfrey plant, helps
to soften and protect while actively soothing skin
◉ Aloe Vera. Answer: popular botanical used in cosmetic formulations;
emollient and humectant with hydrating, softening, healing,
antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties
,◉ Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). Answer: abbreviated AHAS; derived
naturally from various plant sources and from milk; used for improving
signs of aging, dry skin, and an uneven skin tone
◉ Alpha Lipoic Acid. Answer: A natural molecule found in every cell in
the body; it is a powerful antioxidant and is soluble in water and oil.
◉ Ampoules. Answer: Small, sealed vials containing a single application
of highly concentrated extracts in a water or oil base.
◉ anhydrous. Answer: Describes products that do not contain any water.
◉ Argan oil. Answer: derived from the kernels of the argan tree; very
light botanical oil used as an emollient
◉ Aromatherapy. Answer: The therapeutic use of plant aromas and
essential oils for beauty and health treatment purposes.
◉ astringents. Answer: also called toners, these liquids help remove
excess oil on the skin
,◉ Azulene. Answer: Derived from the chamomile plant and
characterized by its deep blue color; has anti-inflammatory and soothing
properties.
◉ benzoyl peroxide. Answer: ingredient with antibacterial properties
commonly used to treat inflamed acne lesions
◉ Beta-glucans. Answer: Ingredients used in anti-aging cosmetics to
help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating the
formation of collagen
◉ Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). Answer: Abbreviated BHAs; exfoliating
organic acid; salicylic acid; milder than alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs).
BHAs dissolve oil and are beneficial for oily skin.
◉ Botanicals. Answer: Ingredients derived from plants.
◉ Calendula. Answer: Anti-inflammatory plant extract.
◉ Carbomers. Answer: Ingredients used to thicken creams; frequently
used in gel products.
◉ Certified colors. Answer: inorganic color agents also known as metal
salts; listed on ingredient labels as D&C (drug and cosmetic)
, ◉ Chamomile. Answer: Plant extract with calming and soothing
properties.
◉ chelating agents. Answer: A chemical added to cosmetics to improve
the efficiency of the preservative.
◉ chemical exfoliants. Answer: products with chemical agents used to
dissolve dead skin cells and the intercellular matrix, or "glue", that holds
them together (desmosomes)
◉ Clay masks. Answer: oil-absorbing purifying masks made with a clay
base (such as kaolin or bentonite) that draw impurities to the surface of
the skin as they dry and tighten
◉ Cleanser. Answer: soap or detergent that cleans the skin
◉ Coconut oil. Answer: derived from coconut, one of the fattiest and
heaviest oils used as an emollient
◉ Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Answer: Powerful antioxidant that protects
and revitalizes skin cells