Utah Master Esthetician Practice Exam

What ingredient is not required to be listed on a product's ingredient label?

1. Fragrance

2. Color additives

3. Surfactants

4. P preservatives

The correct answer is: Surfactants

Surfactants are not specifically required to be listed on a cosmetic product's ingredient label if they are present in concentrations below a certain threshold. For many formulations, particularly those used in personal care products, surfactants may be a component of proprietary blends or formulation trade secrets that do not need to be disclosed in detail. This means manufacturers often do not have to declare each surfactant by name, especially if it is used in minor amounts. Conversely, fragrance must be declared on the label, although individual fragrance components can often be grouped under the term "fragrance" without disclosing all specific chemicals. Color additives have specific labeling requirements due to their potential impact on health and safety, and preservatives are also typically required to be declared to ensure consumers are aware of their presence due to their functional importance in product stability and safety. Thus, surfactants stand out as not universally mandated for individual listing, aligning with the answer provided.