Oklahoma Cosmetology Board Practice Exam

What ingredient is commonly used in exfoliating scrubs?

1. Granulated sugar or salt

2. Ground coffee beans

3. Essential oils

4. Cocoa powder

The correct answer is: Granulated sugar or salt

Granulated sugar or salt is commonly used in exfoliating scrubs due to their physical properties that make them effective at sloughing off dead skin cells. These ingredients have granulated textures that help to gently manually scrub the surface of the skin, promoting cell turnover and revealing fresher, smoother skin underneath. Using granulated substances like sugar or salt provides not only mechanical exfoliation but also offers benefits that can enhance the overall experience. Sugar, for instance, contains glycolic acid, which helps to dissolve dead skin cells and can also hydrate the skin. Salt is known for its natural mineral content, which can have added therapeutic properties. While ground coffee beans, essential oils, and cocoa powder might be utilized in some formulations for their beneficial properties or scents, they do not primarily serve the purpose of exfoliation as effectively as granulated sugar or salt. Ground coffee can provide some level of exfoliation but is not as commonly used compared to traditional scrubbing agents. Essential oils are generally added for fragrance or therapeutic benefits, and cocoa powder serves more as a nourishing or cosmetic ingredient rather than one focused on exfoliation.