Utah Esthetics Written State Practice Exam

Sodium lauryl and sodium hydroxide are primarily found in which types of products?

1. Cleansers

2. Moisturizers

3. Sunscreens

4. Exfoliators

The correct answer is: Cleansers

Sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium hydroxide are primarily found in cleansers. Sodium lauryl sulfate is a surfactant commonly used in various cleaning products because of its excellent ability to break down oils and dirt, making it effective in foaming and cleansing formulations. It helps create lather and enhances the overall cleaning power of liquid soaps and other cleansing agents, which is why it's a prevalent ingredient in shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers. Sodium hydroxide, on the other hand, is often used to adjust the pH levels in formulations and can serve as a cleaning agent as well. Its alkaline properties help to neutralize acidic components or aid in the emulsification process, ensuring that the cleanser is effective in removing impurities from the skin. In contrast, moisturizers, sunscreens, and exfoliators do not typically contain these ingredients as primary components. Moisturizers focus on hydrating and soothing the skin, sunscreens are designed to provide UV protection, and exfoliators are formulated to remove dead skin cells; hence, their ingredient profiles are quite different from those of cleansers.