Preparation of face packs MCQs With Answer

Introduction
Preparing and formulating herbal face packs requires integrating traditional botanicals with modern pharmaceutics to deliver safe, stable and effective topical products. This quiz set on “Preparation of Face Packs” is designed for M.Pharm students studying Herbal Cosmetics (MPG 204T). It highlights core formulation principles — choice of clays and powders, rheology modifiers, humectants, preservatives, antimicrobial control, stability testing, packaging and standardization of herbal actives. Questions emphasize practical formulation challenges such as pH control, particle size, preservative selection and compatibility testing, while reinforcing regulatory and safety evaluation aspects. Use these MCQs to test conceptual understanding and application-level decision making in developing quality herbal face pack products.

Q1. Which of the following best describes the primary objective of a herbal face pack formulation?

• To act as an occlusive emollient providing prolonged skin hydration
• To provide topical delivery of herbal actives for cleansing, exfoliation and skin conditioning
• To replace systemic therapy for dermatological diseases
• To provide high sun protection factor (SPF) as the main function

Correct Answer: To provide topical delivery of herbal actives for cleansing, exfoliation and skin conditioning

Q2. Which powdered base material is most commonly used in face packs for its high oil adsorption and suspension properties?

• Kaolin (white clay)
• Talc
• Magnesium stearate
• Sorbitol powder

Correct Answer: Kaolin (white clay)

Q3. What is the primary role of gelling agents (e.g., xanthan gum, carbomer) in face pack formulations?

• To act as the main preservative
• To modify rheology and suspend dispersed solids for proper spreadability
• To enhance fragrance retention
• To increase water activity and support microbial growth

Correct Answer: To modify rheology and suspend dispersed solids for proper spreadability

Q4. Why are humectants such as glycerin or propylene glycol incorporated into face packs?

• To act as primary surfactants for cleansing
• To attract and retain water on the stratum corneum thereby improving skin hydration
• To increase the volatile fraction for faster drying
• To precipitate herbal actives and reduce efficacy

Correct Answer: To attract and retain water on the stratum corneum thereby improving skin hydration

Q5. How does pH influence herbal face pack performance and safety?

• pH only affects color and has no effect on preservation or irritation
• pH controls preservative efficacy and can affect skin irritation and stability of pH-sensitive actives
• Extreme pH values improve fragrance longevity
• pH determines the particle size of clays

Correct Answer: pH controls preservative efficacy and can affect skin irritation and stability of pH-sensitive actives

Q6. Which preservative is commonly preferred in water-containing herbal face pack formulations due to broad-spectrum activity and compatibility?

• Phenoxyethanol (often with ethylhexylglycerin)
• Sodium lauryl sulfate
• Isopropyl myristate
• Beeswax

Correct Answer: Phenoxyethanol (often with ethylhexylglycerin)

Q7. When formulating with essential oils in face packs, what is the recommended maximum typical concentration to minimize irritation for most essential oils?

• 10–15% (v/w)
• 5–8% (v/w)
• 0.5–1% (v/w)
• 20–30% (v/w)

Correct Answer: 0.5–1% (v/w)

Q8. How does decreasing the particle size of herbal powders used in face packs typically affect their functional properties?

• Decreases surface area and reduces adsorption capacity
• Increases surface area, improves adsorption and affects optical/sensory feel
• Makes the formulation completely insoluble in water
• Eliminates the need for preservatives

Correct Answer: Increases surface area, improves adsorption and affects optical/sensory feel

Q9. What tests are essential during compatibility studies for a new herbal face pack formulation?

• pH stability, rheology, visual appearance only
• Microbial assay and preservative efficacy only
• pH, rheology/viscosity, microbial stability, and interaction with packaging
• Only accelerated temperature cycles without chemical analysis

Correct Answer: pH, rheology/viscosity, microbial stability, and interaction with packaging

Q10. High residual moisture in a powdered face pack primarily leads to which risk?

• Improved powder flow and longer shelf life
• Increased risk of microbial growth and caking, reducing shelf life
• Neutralization of herbal actives making product inert
• Instant gelation of the powder at room temperature

Correct Answer: Increased risk of microbial growth and caking, reducing shelf life

Q11. Which antioxidant is most suitable for protecting lipophilic botanical extracts in anhydrous or low-water face pack bases?

• Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in free form
• Alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E)
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Sodium chloride

Correct Answer: Alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E)

Q12. For standardization and quality control of a herbal face pack, which of the following analyses should be included?

• Phytochemical fingerprint (HPTLC/HPLC), microbial load and heavy metals testing
• Only organoleptic (smell and color) evaluation
• Only viscosity measurement
• No testing is required for herbal cosmetics

Correct Answer: Phytochemical fingerprint (HPTLC/HPLC), microbial load and heavy metals testing

Q13. What is the primary purpose of conducting a preservative challenge test on a face pack?

• To determine color stability under UV light
• To evaluate the efficacy of the preservative system against microbial contamination
• To measure spreadability and texture only
• To assess packaging aesthetics

Correct Answer: To evaluate the efficacy of the preservative system against microbial contamination

Q14. Which class of emulsifiers is generally preferred for creamy face pack formulations because of mildness and skin compatibility?

• Anionic surfactants (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate)
• Cationic quaternary ammonium salts
• Nonionic surfactants (e.g., polysorbates, sorbitan esters)
• Strong oxidizing agents

Correct Answer: Nonionic surfactants (e.g., polysorbates, sorbitan esters)

Q15. Which binder or adhesive excipient is commonly used to improve adherence of a hydrated face pack layer to the skin?

• Starch or gum tragacanth
• Calcium chloride crystals
• Sodium hydroxide
• Sodium percarbonate

Correct Answer: Starch or gum tragacanth

Q16. Which packaging type best minimizes repeated contamination risk for commercial ready-to-use face pack creams or gels?

• Wide-mouth glass jar
• Metal screw-cap tin
• Airless pump container
• Open tray packaging

Correct Answer: Airless pump container

Q17. Which preservative pair is known to be more effective in acidic pH systems typically used for some herbal formulations?

• Benzoic acid and sorbic acid
• EDTA and sodium chloride
• Magnesium sulfate and calcium carbonate
• Fragrance oils and dyes

Correct Answer: Benzoic acid and sorbic acid

Q18. What safety tests are routinely required for novel herbal face packs before market release?

• Skin irritation, skin sensitization (patch test) and ocular irritation assessments
• Only taste testing
• Only chemical stability for 1 hour
• No testing required for topical herbal products

Correct Answer: Skin irritation, skin sensitization (patch test) and ocular irritation assessments

Q19. What is the function of chelating agents such as disodium EDTA in face pack formulations?

• To act as the main surfactant for cleansing
• To chelate metal ions that would otherwise reduce preservative efficacy and promote oxidation
• To increase the particle size of clays
• To provide fragrance

Correct Answer: To chelate metal ions that would otherwise reduce preservative efficacy and promote oxidation

Q20. During accelerated stability testing of a face pack, which parameters are critical to monitor to predict shelf life and performance?

• Only the color change under UV
• Viscosity/rheology, pH, microbial load, and organoleptic changes (color/odor)
• Only packaging label adhesion
• Only the weight change of the outer carton

Correct Answer: Viscosity/rheology, pH, microbial load, and organoleptic changes (color/odor)

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