Washington Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

Which of the following colors is considered noncertified in esthetics?

1. Red oxide

2. Zinc oxide

3. Cobalt blue

4. Magenta

The correct answer is: Zinc oxide

Zinc oxide is a naturally occurring mineral that is widely used in cosmetics, often recognized for its skin-soothing properties and UV protection. However, in the context of esthetics and colorants, "noncertified" refers to the use of color additives that are not approved for use in cosmetics by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While zinc oxide is a recognized ingredient for its beneficial uses in skin care products, when discussing colors specifically, it does not fall under the category of certified color additives, which are necessary for specific cosmetic uses. The other colors listed, such as red oxide, cobalt blue, and magenta, are typically classified as certified color additives when used in cosmetics. These colors have undergone safety testing and are specifically approved for use by authorities governing cosmetic ingredients. Understanding the difference between certified and noncertified colors is crucial for estheticians, as it impacts product selection and formulation in compliance with regulatory standards.