North Dakota Cosmetology Practice Exam

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Prepare for the North Dakota Cosmetology License Exam with practice tests. Covering all necessary cosmetology concepts with flashcards, multiple-choice questions, hints, and explanations to enhance your study experience.

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Which ingredient in skincare is known to act as a humectant?

Sodium chloride
Glycerin
Coconut oil
Aloe vera

The correct answer is: Glycerin

Glycerin is recognized as a humectant, which is a substance that helps to attract moisture to the skin. This property makes it highly effective in skincare products, as it draws water from the environment into the skin, facilitating hydration. By maintaining moisture levels, glycerin contributes to the skin’s softness and smoothness, helping to prevent dryness and improve overall texture. The other options do not function as humectants in the same way. Sodium chloride, commonly known as salt, does not have humectant properties and is more often used for its preservative qualities. Coconut oil primarily acts as an emollient, which means it helps to soften and soothe the skin but does not attract moisture. Aloe vera, while hydrating, is primarily known for its soothing and healing properties rather than its ability to pull moisture into the skin. Thus, glycerin is the substance that stands out for its humectant qualities in this context.