Free Cosmetology practice test
Free Cosmetology Practice Test: Skin Care (2026)
20 questions on Skin Care, drawn from the written (theory) state board syllabus. Answer them all, then check your score. No account and no card.
Questions 1 to 20
Choose an answer before you open the explanation. Guessing first is what makes the explanation stick.
Skin Care Question 1 of 20
In galvanic current, the negative pole gives an alkaline reaction; the positive pole gives a reaction that is:
Check answer
Correct answerA. Acidic
Why this is correct: The negative pole (anaphoresis) is alkaline and the positive pole (cataphoresis) is acidic in galvanic skin treatments.
Skin Care Question 2 of 20
Negative galvanic current forcing an alkaline solution into the skin (desincrustation) is used mainly on:
Check answer
Correct answerA. Oily skin
Why this is correct: Desincrustation (negative pole, alkaline) softens and emulsifies sebum, so it is used on oily, congested skin.
Skin Care Question 3 of 20
A skin condition of overactive sebaceous glands with oily/greasy scales (nose, forehead, scalp) is often a sign of:
Check answer
Correct answerA. Seborrhea
Why this is correct: Seborrhea is excessive sebum secretion producing oily scales in gland-rich areas.
Skin Care Question 4 of 20
An astringent (skin toner) generally has a pH that is:
Check answer
Correct answerA. Acidic
Why this is correct: Astringents are typically mildly acidic, tightening pores and supporting the skin's acid mantle.
Skin Care Question 5 of 20
A round, thickened patch of epidermis caused by friction or pressure (a callus) is called a:
Check answer
Correct answerA. Keratoma
Why this is correct: A keratoma (callus) is thickened epidermis from continued friction or pressure.
Skin Care Question 6 of 20
A small facial suction (vacuum) machine is used mainly to:
Check answer
Correct answerA. Lift debris/sebum from pores (blemished/congested skin)
Why this is correct: Suction helps clear congested pores on blemished skin; it is an esthetics device, minor on the newer hair exam.
Skin Care Question 7 of 20
The earliest sign of developing acne that may lead to inflammatory acne is the:
Check answer
Correct answerA. Microcomedone
Why this is correct: A microcomedone is the earliest acne lesion (an early follicular plug) that can become inflammatory acne.
Skin Care Question 8 of 20
A facial atomizer (mister) is used mainly to:
Check answer
Correct answerA. Lightly hydrate and refresh the skin
Why this is correct: A mister lays a fine layer of moisture to soothe/hydrate the skin; a minor esthetics device.
Skin Care Question 9 of 20
Secondary skin lesions develop during which stage of a disease?
Check answer
Correct answerA. A later stage
Why this is correct: Secondary lesions (scales, scars, fissures) develop later from primary lesions.
Skin Care Question 10 of 20
Using galvanic current to introduce an acidic (astringent) solution into the skin is known as:
Check answer
Correct answerA. Cataphoresis
Why this is correct: Cataphoresis uses the positive (acidic) pole to tighten skin; anaphoresis uses the negative (alkaline) pole.
Skin Care Question 11 of 20
In an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion, the main (external) phase is:
Check answer
Correct answerA. Water
Why this is correct: In an O/W emulsion water is the external (main) phase with oil droplets dispersed in it — light and non-greasy (many lotions).
Skin Care Question 12 of 20
Why does a cosmetologist place a finger on a glass (high-frequency) electrode before touching the client's scalp?
Check answer
Correct answerA. To control the current and avoid a sudden spark/shock
Why this is correct: Touching the electrode first eases contact and avoids a startling spark; a legacy electrotherapy device, minor on the newer hair exam.
Skin Care Question 13 of 20
The immediate effects of massage are first noticed on the:
Check answer
Correct answerA. The skin (and local circulation)
Why this is correct: Massage first affects the skin and surface circulation (warmth, mild flushing).
Skin Care Question 14 of 20
The dermis is also called derma, corium, true skin, and:
Check answer
Correct answerA. Cutis
Why this is correct: The dermis is also known as derma/corium/cutis/true skin; it lies below the epidermis and holds blood vessels, nerves, and follicles.
Skin Care Question 15 of 20
A client just had a chemical peel; when can they receive a facial treatment?
Check answer
Correct answerA. Only after the skin has fully healed, per instructions and once irritation is gone
Why this is correct: There is no fixed timeframe; it depends on peel depth, irritation, and medications. It is contraindicated while skin is irritated/unhealed — consult and follow professional guidance.
Skin Care Question 16 of 20
The skin's protective acid mantle is normally:
Check answer
Correct answerA. Slightly acidic (pH under 7)
Why this is correct: The skin's acid mantle is slightly acidic (pH ~4.5–5.5, under 7), protecting against microbes; overly alkaline products can disrupt this barrier.
Skin Care Question 17 of 20
A substance used to lubricate the skin during massage is:
Check answer
Correct answerA. Emollient cream
Why this is correct: Emollient cream lubricates and softens skin, letting hands glide during massage without dragging.
Skin Care Question 18 of 20
A mask ingredient with an absorbing/drawing action (typically a clay) is:
Check answer
Correct answerA. Fuller's earth (clay)
Why this is correct: Fuller's earth is a clay-type mask that absorbs oil and tightens pores — suited to oily skin (modern term: 'clay mask').
Skin Care Question 19 of 20
The neutral pH value (as in pure water) is:
Check answer
Correct answerA. 7
Why this is correct: pH 7 is neutral; below 7 is acidic, above 7 is alkaline. The pH scale matters for how products affect skin and hair.
Skin Care Question 20 of 20
The ingredient that blends (emulsifies) oil and water into a stable mixture in cosmetics is a/an:
Check answer
Correct answerA. Surfactant / emulsifier
Why this is correct: Oil and water do not mix; a surfactant/emulsifier disperses them into a stable emulsion (lotions, creams).
Practice content notice: These are original study questions, not recalled or official exam items. Exam providers, timing, passing scores, and state-law coverage can change; verify current requirements with your licensing board.