Oregon Esthetician State Board

What function do vehicles serve in cosmetic formulations?

1. They act as preservatives to increase shelf life

2. They are spreading agents and carrying bases

3. They enhance the color of the product

4. They provide fragrance to cosmetics

The correct answer is: They are spreading agents and carrying bases

Vehicles play a critical role in cosmetic formulations by serving as spreading agents and carrying bases. They help deliver active ingredients to the skin effectively, ensuring that the formulation can spread evenly and cover the desired area. Vehicles also help dissolve other components of the formulation, allowing ingredients to be integrated smoothly. This function is essential for the formulation's application, texture, and overall performance on the skin. While preservatives are important for product safety and shelf life, their primary role differs from that of vehicles. Enhancing color and providing fragrance are also functions of other specific ingredients in cosmetic formulations, but these do not encompass the primary purpose of vehicles. Therefore, understanding the role of vehicles as carriers and spreaders is vital for creating effective cosmetic products.