Preparation of lotions MCQs With Answer

Introduction: Preparation of lotions MCQs With Answer is designed for M.Pharm students studying Herbal Cosmetics (MPG 204T). This quiz collection focuses on the theory and practical aspects of lotion formulation — including emulsion types, selection of excipients (emulsifiers, preservatives, humectants, rheology modifiers), processing techniques, stability concerns, quality control and evaluation methods. Questions emphasize formulation rationale for herbal actives, skin compatibility, percutaneous absorption, preservation strategies, and packaging considerations. Carefully crafted for postgraduate depth, the MCQs aim to reinforce conceptual understanding and application to laboratory practice, helping students prepare for exams and research tasks in topical herbal product development.

Q1. What is the primary difference between lotions and creams?

• Lotions generally contain a higher proportion of oil phase than creams
• Lotions are typically less viscous and more fluid than creams
• Creams are always water-free anhydrous systems
• Lotions cannot contain emulsifiers

Correct Answer: Lotions are typically less viscous and more fluid than creams

Q2. Which formulation type best describes a typical herbal lotion?

• An o/w (oil-in-water) emulsion
• A w/o (water-in-oil) emulsion
• An anhydrous gel
• A solid ointment

Correct Answer: An o/w (oil-in-water) emulsion

Q3. Which property of a surfactant is most useful when selecting it for forming an o/w lotion?

• Hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value
• Molecular weight
• Melting point
• Color

Correct Answer: Hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value

Q4. Which excipient is commonly used as a humectant in herbal lotions to retain moisture?

• Glycerin
• Stearic acid
• Sorbitan stearate
• Lanolin

Correct Answer: Glycerin

Q5. For herbal lotions containing sensitive polyphenolic extracts, which packaging is most appropriate to minimize oxidation?

• Transparent PET bottle
• Amber glass or opaque airless container
• Clear polyethylene pouch
• Open-top jar

Correct Answer: Amber glass or opaque airless container

Q6. Which preservative system is often selected for broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity in aqueous herbal lotions?

• Methylparaben alone
• Phenoxyethanol in combination with ethylhexylglycerin
• Pure tocopherol (vitamin E)
• Glycerin

Correct Answer: Phenoxyethanol in combination with ethylhexylglycerin

Q7. What is the purpose of adding a chelating agent such as EDTA in lotion formulations?

• To increase viscosity
• To bind metal ions that catalyze oxidation and reduce preservative consumption
• To act as primary emulsifier
• To lower the pH dramatically

Correct Answer: To bind metal ions that catalyze oxidation and reduce preservative consumption

Q8. Which rheology modifier is frequently used to thicken o/w lotions while providing shear-thinning behavior?

• Carbomer (carbopol)
• Beeswax
• Magnesium stearate
• Sodium chloride alone

Correct Answer: Carbomer (carbopol)

Q9. During lotion manufacturing, what is the recommended method of emulsification for a stable o/w lotion?

• Add oil phase into aqueous phase with high-shear mixing
• Add aqueous phase into oil phase with gentle stirring only
• Homogenize oil and water separately without surfactants
• Cool both phases to 0°C and mix by hand

Correct Answer: Add oil phase into aqueous phase with high-shear mixing

Q10. Which accelerated stability test helps predict creaming and phase separation in lotions?

• Freeze-thaw cycling
• UV-Vis spectroscopy
• pH paper strip only
• Melting point determination

Correct Answer: Freeze-thaw cycling

Q11. For lotions intended for facial application with a weakly acidic herbal extract, which pH range is generally safest to maintain?

• pH 2.0–3.0
• pH 3.5–5.5
• pH 7.5–9.0
• pH 10–11

Correct Answer: pH 3.5–5.5

Q12. Which test directly evaluates antimicrobial effectiveness of a preservative system in a lotion?

• Viscosity measurement
• Preservative efficacy test (challenge test)
• Droplet size analysis
• Refractive index

Correct Answer: Preservative efficacy test (challenge test)

Q13. What is a critical quality attribute when incorporating herbal oil extracts into an o/w lotion?

• Particle or globule size distribution of the dispersed oil phase
• Boiling point of water
• Crystallization temperature of sodium chloride
• Color of the storage room

Correct Answer: Particle or globule size distribution of the dispersed oil phase

Q14. Which penetration enhancer is commonly used in lotions to improve dermal delivery of herbal actives?

• Ethyl alcohol (ethanol)
• Mineral pigments
• Silica gel
• Microcrystalline cellulose

Correct Answer: Ethyl alcohol (ethanol)

Q15. What packaging consideration reduces contamination risk for a preservative-sensitive herbal lotion intended for repeated use?

• Using wide-mouth jar for easy access
• Using airless pump dispensers
• Filling into thin, clear glass bottles without caps
• Storing in open trays

Correct Answer: Using airless pump dispensers

Q16. Which abnormal physical instability indicates coalescence in a lotion?

• Progressive increase in viscosity with no phase change
• Formation of larger oil droplets and eventual phase separation
• Increase in pH only
• Complete microbial sterility

Correct Answer: Formation of larger oil droplets and eventual phase separation

Q17. When formulating an herbal lotion containing volatile essential oils, what step helps minimize loss during processing?

• Add essential oils to the hot oil phase at the highest temperature
• Add essential oils to the cooled emulsion near or below 40°C
• Add essential oils to the aqueous phase before heating
• Evaporate water to concentrate the essential oils

Correct Answer: Add essential oils to the cooled emulsion near or below 40°C

Q18. Which analytical technique is most appropriate to measure droplet size distribution in lotion emulsions?

• High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
• Laser diffraction or dynamic light scattering (DLS)
• Titration with sodium hydroxide
• pH meter

Correct Answer: Laser diffraction or dynamic light scattering (DLS)

Q19. For an herbal lotion aiming at non-greasy skin feel, which oil characteristic is most desirable?

• High molecular weight, highly occlusive oil
• Low spreading coefficient and heavy occlusion
• Volatile or low-viscosity esters with quick spreadability
• Solid waxy oils

Correct Answer: Volatile or low-viscosity esters with quick spreadability

Q20. Which regulatory or safety evaluation is essential before marketing an herbal lotion intended for topical use?

• Oral LD50 in rodents only
• Dermal irritation and sensitization (patch tests) and microbiological safety
• Melting point of solid ingredients only
• Antibacterial assay against non-skin microbes only

Correct Answer: Dermal irritation and sensitization (patch tests) and microbiological safety

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