Which term describes the chemical process of combining substances to form new compounds?

Synthesis refers to the chemical process where two or more substances combine to form a new compound. This process is fundamental in various scientific fields, including chemistry, biology, and materials science. In the context of esthetics, understanding synthesis is important, as it relates to how different ingredients in skincare products work together to create desired outcomes, such as hydration, exfoliation, or treatment of specific skin concerns.

Synthesis involves reactions where existing chemical bonds are broken and new ones are formed, resulting in a product with properties that may differ significantly from those of the original substances. This is essential for creating effective formulations in the esthetics field.

The other terms have distinct meanings: decomposition involves breaking down compounds into simpler substances; ionization refers to the process of gaining or losing electrons to form ions; and oxidation involves the loss of electrons during a reaction. While all these processes are important in chemistry, they do not describe the act of combining substances to create new compounds, which is the essence of synthesis.