TDLR Esthetician Written Exam 2026–2027 | Official Texas
Department of Licensing & Regulation PSI State Board Test
Questions with Correct Answers | Real Exam-Style Practice
Covering Skin Care, Facials, Hair Removal, Sanitation, Safety,
Chemical Peels, Texas Laws & Professional Esthetic Practices
Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of a facial treatment?
• A) To promote relaxation
• B) To improve the appearance of the skin
• C) To remove makeup
• D) To analyze skin types
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: The primary purpose of a facial treatment is to cleanse, exfoliate, and
improve the overall quality and appearance of the skin.
Question 2:
Which of the following ingredients is commonly used in exfoliation?
• A) Hyaluronic Acid
• B) Shea Butter
• C) Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
• D) Glycerin
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are widely used in facials and skincare products
to exfoliate the skin by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells.
Question 3:
What is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infections in a salon?
• A) Use alcohol wipes frequently
• B) Follow proper sanitation and disinfection protocols
• C) Rely on customer self-cleaning
• D) Offer only disposable implements
,CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Following proper sanitation and disinfection protocols is crucial to prevent
the spread of infections in any salon setting.
Question 4:
Which skin type is characterized by an increase in oil production?
• A) Dry
• B) Oily
• C) Sensitive
• D) Combination
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Oily skin is characterized by an overproduction of sebum, resulting in a shiny
appearance and often leading to acne.
Question 5:
What is the correct pH range for healthy skin?
• A) 4.0 - 5.0
• B) 6.0 - 7.0
• C) 4.5 - 5.5
• D) 5.0 - 6.5
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: Healthy skin has a slightly acidic pH, typically between 4.5 and 5.5, which
helps maintain the skin barrier and overall health.
Question 6:
What ingredient is often used to promote cell turnover?
• A) Retinol
• B) Coconut Oil
• C) Mineral Oil
• D) Silicones
,CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A that is renowned for its ability to promote
cell turnover and improve the appearance of skin.
Question 7:
Which type of mask is best for dry skin?
• A) Clay Mask
• B) Hydrating Mask
• C) Peel-Off Mask
• D) Exfoliating Mask
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Hydrating masks provide moisture and nutrients to dry skin, helping to
alleviate flakiness and tightness.
Question 8:
What is the purpose of a toner in skincare?
• A) To remove makeup
• B) To restore pH balance
• C) To moisturize
• D) To provide sun protection
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Toners are designed to restore the pH balance of the skin after cleansing and
to prepare the skin for further treatment.
Question 9:
What skin condition is characterized by excess oil combined with inflammation?
• A) Acne
• B) Acne vulgaris
• C) Rosacea
• D) Eczema
, CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition that involves excess oil production
and inflammation, typically characterized by pimples.
Question 10:
Which of the following is a benefit of using Vitamin C in skincare?
• A) Increases oil production
• B) Brightens the skin
• C) Causes sensitivity
• D) Increases pore size
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Vitamin C is known for its brightening effects, helping to even out skin tone
and reduce dark spots.
Question 11:
What is the function of SPF in skincare?
• A) Moisturizes the skin
• B) Protects against UV rays
• C) Exfoliates the skin
• D) Firms the skin
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is used to protect the skin from harmful
ultraviolet (UV) rays that can cause sunburn and skin damage.
Question 12:
What is the ideal temperature for wax during a hair removal procedure?
• A) Cold
• B) Warm
• C) Hot
• D) Room temperature
Department of Licensing & Regulation PSI State Board Test
Questions with Correct Answers | Real Exam-Style Practice
Covering Skin Care, Facials, Hair Removal, Sanitation, Safety,
Chemical Peels, Texas Laws & Professional Esthetic Practices
Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of a facial treatment?
• A) To promote relaxation
• B) To improve the appearance of the skin
• C) To remove makeup
• D) To analyze skin types
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: The primary purpose of a facial treatment is to cleanse, exfoliate, and
improve the overall quality and appearance of the skin.
Question 2:
Which of the following ingredients is commonly used in exfoliation?
• A) Hyaluronic Acid
• B) Shea Butter
• C) Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
• D) Glycerin
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are widely used in facials and skincare products
to exfoliate the skin by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells.
Question 3:
What is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infections in a salon?
• A) Use alcohol wipes frequently
• B) Follow proper sanitation and disinfection protocols
• C) Rely on customer self-cleaning
• D) Offer only disposable implements
,CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Following proper sanitation and disinfection protocols is crucial to prevent
the spread of infections in any salon setting.
Question 4:
Which skin type is characterized by an increase in oil production?
• A) Dry
• B) Oily
• C) Sensitive
• D) Combination
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Oily skin is characterized by an overproduction of sebum, resulting in a shiny
appearance and often leading to acne.
Question 5:
What is the correct pH range for healthy skin?
• A) 4.0 - 5.0
• B) 6.0 - 7.0
• C) 4.5 - 5.5
• D) 5.0 - 6.5
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: Healthy skin has a slightly acidic pH, typically between 4.5 and 5.5, which
helps maintain the skin barrier and overall health.
Question 6:
What ingredient is often used to promote cell turnover?
• A) Retinol
• B) Coconut Oil
• C) Mineral Oil
• D) Silicones
,CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A that is renowned for its ability to promote
cell turnover and improve the appearance of skin.
Question 7:
Which type of mask is best for dry skin?
• A) Clay Mask
• B) Hydrating Mask
• C) Peel-Off Mask
• D) Exfoliating Mask
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Hydrating masks provide moisture and nutrients to dry skin, helping to
alleviate flakiness and tightness.
Question 8:
What is the purpose of a toner in skincare?
• A) To remove makeup
• B) To restore pH balance
• C) To moisturize
• D) To provide sun protection
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Toners are designed to restore the pH balance of the skin after cleansing and
to prepare the skin for further treatment.
Question 9:
What skin condition is characterized by excess oil combined with inflammation?
• A) Acne
• B) Acne vulgaris
• C) Rosacea
• D) Eczema
, CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition that involves excess oil production
and inflammation, typically characterized by pimples.
Question 10:
Which of the following is a benefit of using Vitamin C in skincare?
• A) Increases oil production
• B) Brightens the skin
• C) Causes sensitivity
• D) Increases pore size
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Vitamin C is known for its brightening effects, helping to even out skin tone
and reduce dark spots.
Question 11:
What is the function of SPF in skincare?
• A) Moisturizes the skin
• B) Protects against UV rays
• C) Exfoliates the skin
• D) Firms the skin
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is used to protect the skin from harmful
ultraviolet (UV) rays that can cause sunburn and skin damage.
Question 12:
What is the ideal temperature for wax during a hair removal procedure?
• A) Cold
• B) Warm
• C) Hot
• D) Room temperature
