Utah Esthetics Written State Practice Exam

Which of the following is a common use for sodium hydroxide in skincare?

1. Moisturization

2. Exfoliation

3. pH balancing

4. Cleansing

The correct answer is: pH balancing

Sodium hydroxide is primarily utilized in skincare for its ability to balance the pH of formulations. In many cosmetic and skincare products, maintaining an appropriate pH is crucial for both the stability of the product and the comfort of the skin upon application. Sodium hydroxide is a strong alkaline substance that can effectively adjust pH levels, ensuring that products are not too acidic, which could irritate the skin, or too alkaline, which could compromise the skin's natural barrier. While other uses for sodium hydroxide exist, such as in cleansing products or for certain exfoliating purposes, its main and most significant role in the context of skincare formulary is for pH balancing. This makes it important for formulators to understand how to properly use this compound to create safe and effective skincare products that perform well without causing adverse reactions on the skin.