Pennsylvania Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

What role do pH adjustors play in skincare formulations?

1. Neutralize active ingredients

2. Change the viscosity of the product

3. Stabilize product consistency

4. Adjust the pH level

The correct answer is: Adjust the pH level

The primary role of pH adjustors in skincare formulations is to adjust the pH level of the product. Skincare products must have a specific pH range to ensure they are effective and safe for the skin. The skin has a natural pH of around 4.5 to 5.5, which is slightly acidic. If a product is too alkaline or too acidic, it can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier, leading to irritation, dryness, or other skin issues. By using pH adjustors, formulators can fine-tune the acidity or alkalinity of the product. This adjustment is crucial for maintaining the efficacy of active ingredients, optimizing product stability, and ensuring compatibility with the skin's natural state. Proper pH balance enhances the absorption and performance of active ingredients, creating a formulation that is both effective and gentle on the skin. Other roles mentioned, such as neutralizing active ingredients, changing viscosity, or stabilizing product consistency, do not directly pertain to the pH adjustors' function. Each of those aspects relates to different components or processes within product formulation rather than pH balancing.