Washington Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

What should be done if the water and active ingredients in an emulsion separate?

1. The product should be returned to the store

2. The product should be replaced with a new one

3. The product should be discarded

4. The product should be shaken before use

The correct answer is: The product should be discarded

When the water and active ingredients in an emulsion separate, it is typically an indication that the stability of the product has been compromised. Emulsions are designed to maintain a uniform mixture of water and oil-based ingredients, and when separation occurs, the efficacy and safety of the product can be called into question. Choosing to discard the product is the most appropriate action because using a product that has separated may not deliver the intended benefits and could potentially cause skin irritation or other adverse reactions. Such separation can indicate that the product has either expired or been stored improperly, leading to changes in its formulation. In contrast, simply shaking the product before use is not a reliable solution, as the underlying issue of separation could reflect a problem with its formulation. Returning it to the store or replacing it with a new one might seem more viable, but discarding it ensures that the user avoids any potential risks associated with using a compromised product.