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What does the term "hydrophilic" refer to?

  1. Water-loving

  2. Oil-loving

  3. Substances with a pH below 7.0

  4. Substances with a pH above 7.0

The correct answer is: Water-loving

The term "hydrophilic" refers to being water-loving. In chemistry and skincare, hydrophilic substances are those that have an affinity for water and can easily mix with or dissolve in water-based solutions. This property is essential in skincare formulations as it helps ingredients penetrate the skin barrier effectively especially when water is the primary medium used in skincare products. Therefore, in this context, option A is the correct answer as it accurately defines what "hydrophilic" means. Options B, C, and D are incorrect: - B. Oil-loving is actually referred to as "lipophilic", not "hydrophilic". - C. Substances with a pH below 7.0 are acidic, not necessarily related to the term hydrophilic. - D. Substances with a pH above 7.0 are alkaline, not directly related to the term hydrophilic.