Classification of herbal/natural cosmetics MCQs With Answer

Introduction: This quiz collection on the classification of herbal/natural cosmetics is tailored for M.Pharm students studying Herbal Cosmetics (MPG 204T). It emphasizes in-depth understanding of how herbal products are categorized by origin, function, formulation type, active constituents, and regulatory status. Questions focus on formulation principles (emulsions, surfactants, preservatives), standardization and quality control methods, labeling and nomenclature (INCI), and stability and safety testing relevant to herbal cosmetics. The set challenges students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical aspects of product development, testing and regulatory compliance, preparing them for advanced coursework, research, and industry roles in herbal cosmetic formulation and evaluation.

Q1. Which of the following is NOT a standard functional classification of cosmetic products?

• Skin care
• Hair care
• Oral care
• Veterinary therapeutics

Correct Answer: Veterinary therapeutics

Q2. When classifying herbal cosmetics by source, which option would be considered NON-natural?

• Plant-derived extracts
• Animal-derived ingredients
• Mineral-derived ingredients
• Synthetic polymer

Correct Answer: Synthetic polymer

Q3. Which of the following dosage forms is conventionally regarded as a semi-solid formulation in herbal cosmetics?

• Cream
• Lotion
• Shampoo
• Powder

Correct Answer: Cream

Q4. Which characteristic best describes an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion used in herbal creams?

• The continuous phase is oil
• The continuous phase is water
• It is inherently non-spreadable
• It repels aqueous solutes

Correct Answer: The continuous phase is water

Q5. Which of the following is a naturally derived emulsifier often used in herbal cosmetic formulations?

• Lecithin
• Sodium lauryl sulfate
• Polyethylene glycol 400
• Polyacrylic acid

Correct Answer: Lecithin

Q6. What does the HLB (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) value of an emulsifier indicate?

• Its melting point range
• The ratio of hydrophilic to lipophilic affinity
• The microbial resistance of the emulsifier
• Its pH buffering capacity

Correct Answer: The ratio of hydrophilic to lipophilic affinity

Q7. Which preservative is commonly accepted in “natural” cosmetic formulations for control of yeasts and molds?

• Parabens
• Formaldehyde donor
• Potassium sorbate
• Phenol

Correct Answer: Potassium sorbate

Q8. Which antioxidant of natural origin is widely used to protect herbal oils and extracts from oxidative degradation?

• Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
• BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)
• EDTA
• Hydroquinone

Correct Answer: Tocopherol (Vitamin E)

Q9. Which analytical technique is most suited for marker-based standardization and quantification of active constituents in a herbal cosmetic extract?

• Thin layer chromatography (TLC)
• High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
• Simple syrup assay
• Gravimetric analysis

Correct Answer: High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)

Q10. What does the acronym INCI stand for in cosmetic ingredient labeling?

• International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients
• International Names for Chemical Ingredients
• Internal Nomenclature of Cosmetic Items
• Indexed Names for Cosmetic Ingredients

Correct Answer: International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients

Q11. Which statement best describes the term “cosmeceutical” in regulatory contexts?

• It is a legally defined category with specific registration requirements in most countries
• It is a marketing term describing cosmetics with bioactive ingredients; often not legally defined
• It exclusively refers to prescription topical drugs
• It denotes products that are exempt from labeling

Correct Answer: It is a marketing term describing cosmetics with bioactive ingredients; often not legally defined

Q12. Which Indian statute is primarily used to regulate cosmetics marketed in India?

• Food Safety and Standards Act
• Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
• Indian Patent Act
• Pharmacy Act

Correct Answer: Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940

Q13. Which of the following ingredients is classified as a physical (mineral) sunscreen commonly permitted in herbal sunscreen formulations?

• Zinc oxide
• Avobenzone
• Oxybenzone
• Octocrylene

Correct Answer: Zinc oxide

Q14. Which accelerated stability condition is commonly used for shelf-life prediction of cosmetics?

• 4°C and 20% RH
• 25°C and 40% RH
• 40°C and 75% RH
• 0°C and 90% RH

Correct Answer: 40°C and 75% RH

Q15. Which herbal extract is renowned for wound healing and anti-inflammatory activity in topical cosmetic applications?

• Centella asiatica (Gotu kola)
• Lawsonia inermis (Henna)
• Citrus limon (Lemon essential oil)
• Sodium lauryl sulfate

Correct Answer: Centella asiatica (Gotu kola)

Q16. Which plant is the classical source of natural hair dye used in many herbal hair-color formulations?

• Lawsonia inermis (Henna)
• Aloe vera
• Camellia sinensis (Green tea)
• Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary)

Correct Answer: Lawsonia inermis (Henna)

Q17. Which test is routinely performed to assess microbial contamination levels in finished herbal cosmetic products?

• Patch test
• Microbial limit test (total aerobic microbial count)
• pH measurement
• Viscosity determination

Correct Answer: Microbial limit test (total aerobic microbial count)

Q18. Which class of natural compounds is commonly used as surfactants and foaming agents in herbal formulations?

• Saponins
• Terpenoids
• Alkaloids
• Tannins

Correct Answer: Saponins

Q19. What is the primary regulatory distinction between a cosmetic and a medicinal herbal product?

• Cosmetics are ingested, medicines are topically applied
• Primary intended use: cosmetics are for cleansing/beautifying, medicines are for treatment or prevention of disease
• Cosmetics require clinical trials, medicines do not
• Medicines never contain herbal ingredients

Correct Answer: Primary intended use: cosmetics are for cleansing/beautifying, medicines are for treatment or prevention of disease

Q20. For oil-in-water emulsions, what approximate HLB range is generally required from the emulsifier blend?

• 0–3
• 4–7
• 8–18
• 20–30

Correct Answer: 8–18

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