Cosmetology · Basic Chemistry of Products

Which best describes a 'pH-balanced' product?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

One formulated to stay close to the natural pH of hair and skin (about 4.5–5.5)

A One with a pH of 14
B One that is strongly alkaline
C One formulated to stay close to the natural pH of hair and skin (about 4.5–5.5)
D One with no pH

Why this is the answer

A 'pH-balanced' product is one formulated to stay close to the natural slightly acidic pH of hair and skin, roughly 4.5 to 5.5. Keeping a product in this range helps maintain the skin's protective acid mantle and keeps the hair cuticle smooth and compact, reducing damage. Many shampoos and skin products are marketed as pH-balanced for this reason. Understanding what pH-balanced means — and why staying near the natural pH matters — connects the chemistry and skin/hair-science content of the exam.

Source: Scientific Concepts — pH-Balanced Products

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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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Which best describes a 'pH-balanced' product?

Why this is the answer

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About this topic: Basic Chemistry of Products

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