Pennsylvania Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

Which organic ingredients are known for their ability to bind water and deposit it into the skin?

1. Occlusives

2. Humectants

3. Surfactants

4. Emollients

The correct answer is: Humectants

Humectants are organic ingredients specifically known for their ability to attract and retain moisture in the skin. They work by drawing water from the environment and deeper skin layers to hydrate the outermost layer of skin, enhancing overall skin hydration and aiding in moisture balance. Common types of humectants include ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera, which not only help keep the skin hydrated but also improve its elasticity and overall appearance. Other categories like occlusives primarily function to form a barrier on the skin to prevent moisture loss, but they do not actively attract water. Emollients, while important for smoothing and softening the skin, focus more on filling in gaps in the skin's surface rather than drawing moisture. Surfactants, on the other hand, help to cleanse the skin by lowering the surface tension of water, allowing it to mix with oils and dirt, rather than aiding in moisture retention. Thus, humectants are uniquely suited for the purpose of binding water and keeping the skin hydrated, making them the correct answer in this context.