Which term refers to the ability to produce an effect?

The term that specifically refers to the ability to produce an effect is efficacy. In the context of esthetics and skincare, efficacy indicates how well a product or treatment achieves its intended results. This concept is crucial in the beauty and wellness industry, as consumers and professionals alike are interested in understanding whether a product will deliver the promised benefits. Efficacy focuses on the inherent power of an ingredient or treatment to elicit a desired outcome in a controlled setting, often confirmed through clinical studies.

While efficiency refers to the ability to accomplish a task with minimal wasted effort or expense, it does not directly correlate with producing an effect. Effectiveness, on the other hand, combines efficacy with real-world results—indicating how well something works in actual use rather than just theory. Capability suggests the potential or skill to perform a task but does not inherently address the outcome or result. Therefore, efficacy is the most accurate term in this context, as it specifically highlights the capacity of a product to generate a noticeable effect.