Pennsylvania Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

What are acids or bases used to adjust the desired product pH level known as?

1. Humectants

2. Emollients

3. pH Adjustors

4. Exfoliants

The correct answer is: pH Adjustors

The term that describes acids or bases used to adjust the desired product pH level is indeed pH Adjustors. These substances are crucial in formulations because they help maintain the stability and effectiveness of the product by ensuring that the pH level is appropriate for its intended use. For example, certain ingredients may be more effective at certain pH levels, and products like skincare formulations often need precise pH levels to be effective and safe for skin application. Humectants are substances that attract moisture to the skin and help retain it, but they do not specifically alter pH levels. Emollients function by softening and smoothing the skin; while important in formulations, they also do not adjust pH. Exfoliants are agents used to remove dead skin cells; they can have an impact on pH in terms of skin resurfacing but are not primarily used for the purpose of adjusting product pH levels. Thus, the correct choice reflects the role of specific ingredients intended to manage the pH of formulations effectively.