Wisconsin Esthetics State Board Practice Test

What do active ingredients in personal care products do?

1. They provide specific benefits and support efficacy claims

2. They thicken the product and stabilize it

3. They make products hypoallergenic

4. They prevent clogging of pores

The correct answer is: They provide specific benefits and support efficacy claims

Active ingredients in personal care products are crucial for delivering targeted benefits and achieving the desired outcomes of the product. These ingredients are scientifically formulated to have specific effects on the skin, such as moisturizing, anti-aging, or acne-fighting effects. They support the claims made by manufacturers regarding the efficacy of their products, ensuring that consumers receive the benefits they expect based on the product's description. For example, an anti-acne treatment will typically contain active ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which are known to combat acne effectively. These ingredients interact with the skin at a biological level, addressing specific concerns and helping to improve overall skin health. While other aspects such as thickening agents, hypoallergenic properties, and pore-clogging prevention are important, they do not encompass the primary purpose of active ingredients, which is to provide measurable benefits and fulfill the efficacy claims associated with personal care products.