Under Oregon's chemical peel rule, an esthetician may not perform a chemical peel that reaches beyond which layer of the skin?
Based on: OAR 817-015-0055(1)
Oregon Cosmetology Laws and Rules Exam · Chemicals
Oregon Cosmetology Exam Practice Questions: Chemicals (2026)
The chemicals questions on the Oregon exam come from OAR Chapter 817 Division 60 and the chemical peel rule OAR 817-015-0055. The storage rule defines hazardous as capable of causing an unplanned, uncontrolled reaction that could present a hazard by explosion, fire, toxic gases or burns (OAR 817-060-0020(2)(a)), chemicals must be mixed in a dispensing area with adequate ventilation away from open flame (OAR 817-060-0030(1)), and an esthetician may not perform a chemical peel that extends beyond the stratum basale layer of the skin (OAR 817-015-0055(1)).
Practice
Free practice questions
Before performing very superficial or superficial chemical peels, how many hours of training must an esthetician obtain in each type of peel?
Based on: OAR 817-015-0055(2)
Proof of self-study used to satisfy the chemical peel training requirement must be documented on a form prescribed by whom?
Based on: OAR 817-015-0055(4)
Which of the following is an approved way for an esthetician to obtain the required chemical peel training or education?
Based on: OAR 817-015-0055(3)
For training obtained from a school or seminar, which item must the esthetician's proof of training include?
Based on: OAR 817-015-0055(5)(a)
Which document is expressly accepted as proof of attendance and course completion for chemical peel training?
Based on: OAR 817-015-0055(5)(c)
Training obtained from an experienced esthetician or licensed health-care provider must include verification of what?
Based on: OAR 817-015-0055(6)(a)
How long must an esthetician keep records of the required chemical peel education?
Based on: OAR 817-015-0055(7)
An esthetician performing chemical peels must use chemicals in what manner?
Based on: OAR 817-015-0055(8)(b)
Before applying a chemical peel, an esthetician must confirm the chemical is suitable for the client after analyzing the client's skin condition, skin type, medications and what else?
Based on: OAR 817-015-0055(8)(d)
Storage, mixing and formaldehyde products
Division 60 turns chemistry into a set of testable duties. The vocabulary comes first: hazardous, as used in the chemical storage rule, means capable of causing an unplanned, uncontrolled reaction that could present a hazard by explosion, fire, toxic gases or burns (OAR 817-060-0020(2)(a)). Separation is quantified: for reactive chemicals in containers of one gallon or less kept in the same cabinet, the rule gives the example of at least 12 inches apart or on different shelves as adequate separation (OAR 817-060-0020(5)(a)), and that 12-inch figure is a favourite exam number. Mixing has its own place and conditions: chemicals used for client services must be mixed in a dispensing area with adequate ventilation, away from open flame or other sources of potential ignition (OAR 817-060-0030(1)). Formaldehyde gets special treatment: an authorization holder using products that may contain formaldehyde must adhere to all city, county, state or federal laws, rules, codes and regulations related to formaldehyde use (OAR 817-060-0050(1)), and for the purposes of the adopted workplace standard, an independent contractor is treated as an employer (OAR 817-060-0050(3)(a)).
- Reactive chemicals in one-gallon containers: at least 12 inches apart or on different shelves (OAR 817-060-0020(5)(a)).
- Mixing: in a ventilated dispensing area away from open flame (OAR 817-060-0030(1)).
- Formaldehyde products: comply with all applicable laws at every level of government (OAR 817-060-0050(1)).
Chemical peels: the depth limit and the training file
The chemical peel rule OAR 817-015-0055 supplies a dense cluster of exam questions. The headline limit is anatomical: an esthetician may not perform chemical peels that extend beyond the stratum basale (OAR 817-015-0055(1)), which the exam contrasts with the separate rule that limits an esthetician's mechanical or electrical devices to work within the epidermis (OAR 817-015-0045(5)). Before performing peels, the esthetician must obtain training or education, and the rule accepts several routes, including self-study (OAR 817-015-0055(3)). The paper trail is itself tested: proof of self-study must be documented on a form prescribed by the Health Licensing Office (OAR 817-015-0055(4)); proof of training from a school or seminar must include the name of the continuing education sponsor or provider (OAR 817-015-0055(5)(a)); and training from an experienced esthetician or a licensed health-care provider must include verification of the content and hours of the training (OAR 817-015-0055(6)(a)). In performing the peel, chemicals must be used in the manner intended by the manufacturer and in accordance with its recommendations, guidelines and protocols (OAR 817-015-0055(8)(b)), and stored and maintained in accordance with Division 60 of the rules (OAR 817-015-0055(8)(e)).
| Service | Depth limit | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical peel by an esthetician | May not extend beyond the stratum basale | OAR 817-015-0055(1) |
| Mechanical or electrical device used by an esthetician | Within the epidermis only | OAR 817-015-0045(5) |
| Microdermabrasion (as defined apparatus) | Does not penetrate beyond the epidermis except through natural physiological effects | ORS 690.005(13)(a) |
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How deep may an esthetician's chemical peel go in Oregon?
Not beyond the stratum basale. Under OAR 817-015-0055(1), an esthetician may not perform chemical peels that extend beyond the stratum basale layer of the skin. Note the contrast the exam draws with mechanical or electrical devices, which OAR 817-015-0045(5) limits to work within the epidermis.
Can an Oregon esthetician qualify for chemical peels through self-study?
Yes. OAR 817-015-0055(3) lists self-study among the approved means of obtaining the required chemical peel training or education. The proof of self-study must then be documented on a form prescribed by the Health Licensing Office, under OAR 817-015-0055(4).
Where must chemicals be mixed in an Oregon facility?
In a dispensing area with adequate ventilation, away from open flame or other sources of potential ignition, under OAR 817-060-0030(1). The rule pairs the location requirement with the ignition-source requirement, and exam options often satisfy one while breaking the other.
How far apart must reactive chemicals be stored in Oregon?
For reactive chemicals in containers of one gallon or less kept in the same cabinet, OAR 817-060-0020(5)(a) gives the example of at least 12 inches apart or on different shelves as adequate separation. The 12-inch figure is the number the exam asks for.
What do Oregon's rules require for products containing formaldehyde?
Under OAR 817-060-0050(1), an authorization holder using products that may contain formaldehyde must adhere to all city, county, state or federal laws, rules, codes and regulations related to formaldehyde use. For the purposes of the adopted workplace standard, an independent contractor is treated as an employer under OAR 817-060-0050(3)(a).