What term refers to a substance with a positive ionic charge?

In chemistry, a substance with a positive ionic charge is referred to as cationic. This term comes from "cation," which is derived from the Greek word "kation," meaning "going down." Cations are positively charged ions that are formed when an atom or molecule loses one or more electrons. In the context of skincare and esthetics, cationic substances are important because they can attract negatively charged particles, such as dirt and oil, making them effective in cleansing products or conditioning agents.

The other terms provided in the options describe different concepts. Neutral refers to a state with no net charge, meaning the number of protons is equal to the number of electrons. Anionic pertains to negatively charged ions, which contrasts with cationic. Buffering relates to a solution's ability to resist changes in pH, and does not directly address ionic charges. Understanding the significance of each term helps clarify the role of ions in cosmetic formulations and their interactions with the skin.