West Virginia Cosmetology Board Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Study Guide

The term 'pH' stands for "Potential of Hydrogen." It is a scale used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a substance, with values ranging from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is considered neutral, values below 7 indicate acidity, and values above 7 indicate alkalinity. In the context of cosmetics, understanding pH is crucial because it affects the effectiveness and stability of products, as well as how they interact with the skin and hair.

Many cosmetic products are formulated to have a specific pH level to maintain the health of skin and hair, as our skin has a natural pH that is slightly acidic, typically between 4.5 and 5.5. Using products that are too far from this range can lead to irritation, dryness, or other adverse reactions. Therefore, knowing that 'pH' refers to the "Potential of Hydrogen" helps professionals in the beauty industry make informed decisions about product formulation and application to ensure optimal results for clients.