What term describes a substance with a negative ionic charge?

The term that describes a substance with a negative ionic charge is anionic. In the field of chemistry, ions are categorized based on their electric charge: cations are positively charged ions, while anions carry a negative charge. The presence of a negative charge in an anion indicates that it has gained one or more electrons, leading to its overall negative status. This distinction is crucial in various applications, including skincare and cosmetic formulations, where different ions can have different effects on skin and product stability.

Neutral refers to substances that have no net charge, making it distinct from anions. Cationic describes positively charged ions, not applicable here. Polymeric relates to large molecules made up of repeated subunits and does not specifically pertain to ionic charges. Therefore, the definition and role of anionic substances are essential in understanding their functions in both chemistry and esthetics.