New Jersey Cosmetology and Hairstyling Practice Exam

Name a key ingredient often found in moisturizing lotions.

1. Coconut oil

2. Glycerin

3. Hair gel

4. Aloe vera

The correct answer is: Glycerin

Glycerin is a key ingredient often found in moisturizing lotions due to its exceptional humectant properties, which means it has the ability to attract moisture from the environment into the skin. This moisture retention helps to keep the skin hydrated, soft, and supple. Glycerin is a simple polyol compound that easily penetrates the skin barrier, making it effective in helping to maintain skin's moisture levels. While coconut oil, hair gel, and aloe vera can also provide benefits for skin hydration, they do not possess the same level of efficiency in moisture retention as glycerin. Coconut oil is more of an occlusive agent, which means it primarily works by sealing moisture in rather than attracting it. Hair gel is typically formulated for styling hair rather than for skin moisturizing, and although aloe vera does have hydrating properties, it is usually best known for its soothing and healing effects rather than its moisture-binding abilities. Thus, glycerin stands out as a key component in moisturizing lotions for its ability to draw and retain moisture over time.