Washington Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

What are cosmetic products typically composed of?

1. A solution, a suspension, or an emulsion

2. A blend of oils only

3. A solid form only

4. A gel-like substance only

The correct answer is: A solution, a suspension, or an emulsion

Cosmetic products are typically composed of a solution, a suspension, or an emulsion. These three forms represent various states in which ingredients can be mixed to create a product that is effective for application on the skin. A solution is a homogeneous mixture where one substance is dissolved in another, such as water and alcohol combined with active ingredients. Suspensions are mixtures where fine particles are distributed throughout a liquid but are not dissolved, which can often be seen in products like certain types of makeup and lotions. Emulsions are a combination of two immiscible liquids, such as oil and water, creating a stable product that can deliver moisture and other benefits to the skin. Many skincare and cosmetic products leverage these forms to enhance texture, stability, and effectiveness. The other options suggest that cosmetic products consist only of one specific type of ingredient or form. A blend of oils only would overlook the inclusion of other necessary ingredients, such as water or emulsifiers. A solid form only limits the scope of cosmetic products, as many effective formulations are liquid, cream, or gel-based. Similarly, stating that only a gel-like substance is used excludes a vast range of other formulations that are widely utilized in cosmetics. Thus, the first choice encompasses the diversity of formulations found in