PSI Barbering Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Resource to Master Your Certification!

Humectants are chemical compounds specifically designed to attract and retain moisture from the atmosphere, making them essential in various cosmetic and skincare products. They work by pulling moisture from the air into the skin or hair, enhancing hydration and providing a plump, healthy appearance. This property is particularly beneficial in environments with low humidity or for products aimed at dry or dehydrated skin and hair.

While humidity agents may reference elements that interact with moisture levels, they are not specifically defined or recognized as a chemical category like humectants. Emollients, on the other hand, primarily serve to soften and smooth the skin rather than directly attract moisture. Silicones create a barrier on the surface of the skin or hair that can help lock in moisture but do not actively draw moisture from the air in the same way humectants do. Therefore, humectants are the correct choice as they are the compounds that specifically serve the function of attracting and retaining moisture.