Cosmetology · Basic Chemistry of Products

An emulsion in cosmetics is best described as:

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Correct answer

A mixture of two normally unmixable liquids (such as oil and water) held together by an emulsifier

A A single pure substance
B A type of metal
C A gas
D A mixture of two normally unmixable liquids (such as oil and water) held together by an emulsifier

Why this is the answer

An emulsion is a mixture of two liquids that normally do not mix — such as oil and water — combined and held together with the help of an emulsifier (a substance that keeps the droplets dispersed). Many cosmetic products, like lotions and creams, are emulsions. The emulsifier surrounds the droplets of one liquid so they stay suspended in the other rather than separating. Understanding emulsions and basic product chemistry helps cosmetologists understand how the products they use are formulated and behave.

Source: Scientific Concepts — Emulsions

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About this topic: Basic Chemistry of Products

Basic chemistry of products covers matter, elements and compounds, pH and the pH scale, acids and alkalis, oxidation and reduction, and how these ideas explain what shampoos, colours and chemical services actually do to the hair. This is one of 9 Scientific Concepts questions on basic chemistry of products, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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An emulsion in cosmetics is best described as:

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