Utah Master Esthetician Practice Exam

What do hydrogen ions measure in a product?

1. The concentration of active ingredients

2. The degree of acid and alkalinity

3. The hydration level of the product

4. The viscosity of the formulation

The correct answer is: The degree of acid and alkalinity

Hydrogen ions specifically measure the degree of acidity or alkalinity in a product, which is quantified by the pH scale. When you look at a pH scale, with values ranging from 0 to 14, a value of 7 is consideredneutral, values below 7 indicate acidity, and values above 7 indicate alkalinity. The concentration of hydrogen ions determines whether a substance is acidic or basic; more hydrogen ions equate to a lower pH (higher acidity), while fewer hydrogen ions correspond to a higher pH (higher alkalinity). This knowledge is crucial in formulating skin care products, as different pH levels can affect skin health, product stability, and the overall effectiveness of the product. The other choices focus on different aspects of product formulation. While active ingredients are crucial for efficacy, they are not measured by hydrogen ions. Hydration levels are determined through other properties, such as moisture content, and viscosity relates to the thickness of the product rather than pH. Therefore, the correct answer directly addresses the role of hydrogen ions in assessing a product's acidic or alkaline nature.