Preparation of lipsticks MCQs With Answer

Introduction:
This quiz set on “Preparation of Lipsticks” is designed specifically for M.Pharm students studying Herbal Cosmetics (MPG 204T). It focuses on formulation science, raw material selection, processing parameters, stability and quality control tests relevant to lipsticks — with emphasis on practical and theoretical considerations important for postgraduate pharmaceutical formulation work. Questions probe ingredient functions (waxes, oils, pigments, antioxidants), manufacturing steps (melting, dispersion, molding), rheology control, pigment particle size, and stability evaluation. Use these MCQs to test understanding of how composition and process affect performance, safety and aesthetic attributes of both conventional and herbal-based lipsticks.

Q1. Which of the following components is primarily responsible for the glossy, high-sheen finish and good pigment solubilization in many lipstick formulations?

• Beeswax
• Cetyl alcohol
• Castor oil
• Carnauba wax

Correct Answer: Castor oil

Q2. In a typical solid lipstick base, which class of ingredient mainly provides hardness and determines the melting behavior of the finished stick?

• Pigments
• Waxes (e.g., beeswax, carnauba, microcrystalline)
• Antioxidants
• Fragrances

Correct Answer: Waxes (e.g., beeswax, carnauba, microcrystalline)

Q3. Which wax is commonly used to increase the melting point and hardness of a lipstick without significantly reducing gloss?

• Beeswax
• Carnauba wax
• Paraffin wax
• Lanolin

Correct Answer: Carnauba wax

Q4. Which of the following is the principal reason for micronizing pigments used in lipsticks?

• To change the chemical structure of the colorant
• To reduce particle size below perceptible grit and improve color uniformity
• To increase the total pigment concentration required
• To make pigments water-soluble

Correct Answer: To reduce particle size below perceptible grit and improve color uniformity

Q5. Which excipient is most commonly used as a rheology modifier and anti-settling agent in anhydrous lipstick systems?

• Sodium lauryl sulfate
• Carboxymethyl cellulose
• Fumed silica (aerosil)
• Polyethylene glycol 400

Correct Answer: Fumed silica (aerosil)

Q6. During manufacturing of a typical lipstick, at approximately what temperature range are waxes melted and pigments dispersed to ensure homogeneous mixing?

• 30–40 °C
• 50–60 °C
• 70–85 °C
• 100–120 °C

Correct Answer: 70–85 °C

Q7. Castor oil is particularly valued in lipstick formulations because it:

• Acts as a preservative in anhydrous systems
• Provides high refractive index for shine and dissolves certain lake pigments
• Is a solid at room temperature and increases hardness
• Functions as an emulsifier for water-based lipsticks

Correct Answer: Provides high refractive index for shine and dissolves certain lake pigments

Q8. Which ingredient is used to impart plasticity and improve adhesion of the lipstick to lips, often present as a semi-solid ester or fatty alcohol?

• Isopropyl myristate
• Carnauba wax
• Petrolatum
• Silicone oil (dimethicone)

Correct Answer: Isopropyl myristate

Q9. Which pigment type is generally preferred for good lightfastness and migration resistance in red lipsticks?

• Water‑soluble dyes
• Organic solvent‑soluble lakes (aluminium lakes)
• Unstable synthetic azo dyes
• Food color extracts

Correct Answer: Organic solvent‑soluble lakes (aluminium lakes)

Q10. For herbal or natural lipstick formulations, which natural wax is commonly employed to increase rigidity while keeping the product plant-derived?

• Paraffin wax
• Microcrystalline wax
• Candelilla wax
• Polyethylene wax

Correct Answer: Candelilla wax

Q11. Which antioxidant is often included in lipstick formulations to retard oxidative rancidity of oils?

• Sodium benzoate
• BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)
• Chlorhexidine
• Sorbitan oleate

Correct Answer: BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)

Q12. What is the primary stability concern when incorporating micronized titanium dioxide into a colored lipstick formulation?

• Excessive solubility increasing volatility
• Opacity and whitening of shade and possible photoreactivity
• Complete dissolution leading to loss of SPF
• Formation of an emulsion with the wax phase

Correct Answer: Opacity and whitening of shade and possible photoreactivity

Q13. Which laboratory test is specifically useful to evaluate the mechanical strength and break resistance of a molded lipstick bullet?

• Melt point determination by capillary
• Texture analysis/hardness test (penetrometer or texture analyzer)
• pH measurement
• Microbial limit test

Correct Answer: Texture analysis/hardness test (penetrometer or texture analyzer)

Q14. Why are preservatives generally not required in conventional solid lipsticks?

• Because pigments provide antimicrobial properties
• Because the anhydrous nature lacks free water needed for microbial growth
• Because waxes are inherently sterile
• Because antioxidants replace preservatives

Correct Answer: Because the anhydrous nature lacks free water needed for microbial growth

Q15. Which ingredient is commonly used as a natural emollient and humectant in herbal lipstick formulations to improve feel and moisturization?

• Sorbitan monostearate
• Glycerin
• Shea butter
• Sodium laureth sulfate

Correct Answer: Shea butter

Q16. When developing long-lasting (transfer-resistant) lipsticks, formulators typically increase which property of the oil/wax network?

• Volatility of oils
• Crystallinity and crosslinking of the wax/oil matrix to reduce transfer
• Water content to improve adhesion
• Surface tension to increase gloss

Correct Answer: Crystallinity and crosslinking of the wax/oil matrix to reduce transfer

Q17. Which quality control parameter directly assesses color consistency between batches of lipstick?

• Melting point
• Colorimetry/spectrophotometric measurement (CIELab values)
• Penetration value
• Oxidative rancidity index (peroxide value)

Correct Answer: Colorimetry/spectrophotometric measurement (CIELab values)

Q18. Which solvent or additive is commonly used to prepare a pigment dispersion (mastication) before incorporation into a lipstick base?

• Water
• Ethyl alcohol
• Propylene glycol
• Castor oil or a semi-solid ester such as isopropyl myristate

Correct Answer: Castor oil or a semi-solid ester such as isopropyl myristate

Q19. A formulator observes sweating or oil separation on the surface of finished lipsticks during storage in warm conditions. Which modification is most likely to reduce this problem?

• Decrease pigment concentration
• Increase low-melting-point oily esters and reduce wax content
• Increase higher-melting-point waxes (e.g., carnauba) or use structuring agents
• Add water to the matrix to emulsify separated oil

Correct Answer: Increase higher-melting-point waxes (e.g., carnauba) or use structuring agents

Q20. For herbal lipstick claims (e.g., ‘natural’ or ‘organic’), which aspect must a formulator particularly consider during raw material selection?

• Only the pigment color intensity
• Regulatory grade synthetic preservatives only
• Source, extraction method and certification of botanical oils/waxes and absence of prohibited synthetic additives
• The use of petroleum-derived solvents to ensure stability

Correct Answer: Source, extraction method and certification of botanical oils/waxes and absence of prohibited synthetic additives

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