Which ingredient in cuticle remover cream is a common base in many cleaners?

Which ingredient in cuticle remover cream is a common base in many cleaners?

• A. Potassium hydroxide
• B. Sodium bicarbonate
• C. Citric acid
• D. Ethanol

Answer: (A)

Understanding bases in cleaners: a base raises pH and helps soften and break down keratin in the cuticle. Potassium hydroxide is a strong alkali commonly used in cuticle removers and many cleaners because it provides a high pH and effectively dissolves proteins. This makes the cuticle easier to lift or remove. The other options don’t fit as well: sodium bicarbonate is a milder base used for gentler cleaning, citric acid is, as the name implies, an acid, and ethanol is a solvent, not a base. So the best match is potassium hydroxide. (Note: it’s caustic, so handle with care.)

Understanding bases in cleaners: a base raises pH and helps soften and break down keratin in the cuticle. Potassium hydroxide is a strong alkali commonly used in cuticle removers and many cleaners because it provides a high pH and effectively dissolves proteins. This makes the cuticle easier to lift or remove. The other options don’t fit as well: sodium bicarbonate is a milder base used for gentler cleaning, citric acid is, as the name implies, an acid, and ethanol is a solvent, not a base. So the best match is potassium hydroxide. (Note: it’s caustic, so handle with care.)