Washington Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

An oxidizing agent is a substance that facilitates the oxidation of another substance by accepting electrons in a chemical reaction. This process often involves the release of oxygen, which is a hallmark of many oxidation reactions. When a substance is oxidized, it loses electrons, and the oxidizing agent, in turn, gains those electrons. This transfer is essential in various chemical processes and can apply to skin care treatments, where understanding the redox (reduction-oxidation) processes is important for effective product formulation and application.

While the release of oxygen is a common occurrence in oxidation reactions, it is important to note that not all oxidizing agents necessarily release oxygen; some may facilitate oxidation through other means. In the context of chemical reactions in esthetics, recognizing the role of oxidizing agents helps in understanding how certain ingredients work to enhance or alter skin properties.