Maryland Cosmetology State Practice Exam

What are the primary ingredients in a basic shampoo?

1. Surfactants

2. Preservatives

3. Colorants

4. Fragrances

The correct answer is: Surfactants

The primary ingredients in a basic shampoo are surfactants. These are compounds that help to cleanse the hair by allowing water to mix with oil and dirt, enabling them to be washed away easily. Surfactants work by lowering the surface tension of the water, thus breaking the bond between the hair and the oils that build up, making it easier to rinse away impurities. While preservatives, colorants, and fragrances may also be found in shampoos, they serve different purposes. Preservatives are used to prolong the shelf life of the product and prevent microbial growth, colorants are added to enhance the visual appeal of the shampoo, and fragrances are included to provide a pleasant scent. However, none of these ingredients are essential for the basic cleansing function that surfactants provide. Therefore, surfactants are the core component that defines a basic shampoo.