pH Adjuster

A pH adjuster is an ingredient (or combination of ingredients) used to establish and maintain the pH of a cosmetic/skin care formula. This plays a crucial role to help ensure proper stability and efficacy of the finished product and/or key ingredients in a given formula. Certain types of ingredients require precise pH ranges in order to achieve their intended function and results. For instance, hydroxy acid exfoliants work best in a formulation with a pH range between 3-4 and the ideal pH environment for ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is 2.6-3.2. Almost all facial cleansers are formulated between pH 4.5–6, since this is the average pH range of human skin (it’s naturally acidic). The term “pH” stands for potential of hydrogen, which refers to the activity of hydrogen ions (ions are molecules that carry a positive or negative charge) in a water-based solution. Hydrogen makes up two thirds of water, water being two hydrogen molecules plus an oxygen molecule, H²o. The pH of a solution is indicated by a numeric scale that runs from 0-14. Anything below 7 (which is pH neutral) is considered acidic, while anything with a pH greater than 7 is considered alkaline. Products whose pH is in the alkaline range are capable of damaging skin’s acid mantle and disrupting its barrier; a classic example is how dry your skin can feel after washing with bar soap.

Related ingredients: Benzoic Acid Citrate Buffer Citric Acid Dipotassium Phosphate Sodium Hydroxide Potassium Hydroxide Ammonium Hydroxide