Utah Master Esthetician Practice Exam

Which ingredient is known for its ability to soften the skin and is formed by the decomposition of fats and oils?

1. Ceramide

2. Glycerin

3. Hyaluronic acid

4. Lanolin

The correct answer is: Glycerin

The correct answer is the ingredient known for its ability to soften the skin and which is formed by the decomposition of fats and oils. This ingredient is lanolin. Lanolin is a natural, waxy substance derived from the sebaceous glands of sheep's wool. Its primary function is to act as an emollient, providing moisture and softness to the skin by creating a barrier that helps to lock in hydration. This barrier is particularly effective in preventing water loss, making lanolin a popular choice in various skincare products aimed at battling dryness and maintaining skin elasticity. Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin but does not originate from fats and oils in the same way lanolin does. It serves to hydrate the skin but doesn't soften it through the same lipid-decomposition process. Ceramides are lipid molecules that help to maintain the skin's moisture barrier but are not specifically derived from decomposed fats or oils. Hyaluronic acid is also a powerful hydrating agent, renowned for its ability to retain water, but it does not have the composition stemming from fats or oils as lanolin does. Thus, lanolin stands out for both its skin-softening properties and its origin as a byproduct of fats and oils, making