Michigan Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

Which of the following refers to a plant-based ingredient?

1. Synthetic compound

2. Mineral oil

3. Botanical

4. Animal-derived ingredient

The correct answer is: Botanical

A plant-based ingredient is typically referred to as a botanical. Botanic ingredients are derived from plants, including parts such as leaves, flowers, seeds, and roots, and are commonly used in skincare and cosmetic formulations for their beneficial properties, such as hydration, antioxidant effects, and soothing characteristics. In the context of the other choices, synthetic compounds are man-made chemicals that do not come from plant sources. Mineral oil is a petroleum-derived substance that does not originate from plants, and animal-derived ingredients come from animal sources, which further distances them from being classified as plant-based.