Washington Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes functional ingredients in cosmetics?

1. Ingredients that provide specific benefits to the skin

2. Ingredients that enable products to blend well

3. Ingredients that are considered toxins

4. Ingredients that enhance the scent of the product

The correct answer is: Ingredients that enable products to blend well

Functional ingredients in cosmetics refer to ingredients that provide specific benefits to the skin, such as hydration, anti-aging effects, or sun protection. These ingredients are formulated to perform specific roles that enhance the overall effectiveness of the product, addressing particular skin concerns or needs. In contrast to the selected choice, ingredients that enable products to blend well are primarily considered emulsifiers or texturizers, which facilitate the combination of different substances in a formula. While they play an important role in product formulation, their primary purpose is to improve the texture or stability of the product rather than to deliver specific skin benefits. The other options involve aspects that do not align with what functional ingredients are meant to do. For instance, ingredients considered toxins would not be classified as functional, and those that enhance scent are typically referred to as fragrance ingredients rather than functional ingredients. Understanding the role of functional ingredients is crucial in the field of esthetics, as they directly contribute to the efficacy of skincare products.