Ph-adjuster

Sodium Hydroxide

Lye, without which most cosmetic formulas are impossible — Sodium Hydroxide neutralizes acids, activates carbomer gels, and regulates pH. In the finished product, it practically remains in an inactive form.

pH regulatorneutralizertechnologicalformula

✓ Safe

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH, caustic soda) — a strong base. In cosmetics — exclusively a pH regulator: neutralizes acids (carbomer, stearic acid) to the desired pH 5-7. After the reaction, it converts into neutral salts — free NaOH is absent in the finished product. Regulated by the EU to a pH level of 11 in hair products. In INCI: Sodium Hydroxide.

A purely technological ingredient — necessary for activating carbomer gels, neutralizing fatty acids (soaps, emulsifiers), and adjusting the pH of the product.

Key Benefits

✦

Activation of carbomer gels

Without NaOH, carbomer remains a liquid — neutralization to pH 6-7 causes swelling of polymer chains and gel formation. A critical step in the production of most gels.

◈

Neutralization for the correct pH

Adjusts the final pH of the product to a level at which actives are maximally effective, preservatives work, and the skin is not irritated.

✧

Not in the finished product

After the neutralization reaction, free NaOH is absent — it has converted into water and salt. A product made with NaOH does not contain caustic lye and is completely safe.

Suitable for

technological component — does not act on the skin directly

Main Actions

✓ pH regulation✓ neutralization✓ activation of gelling agents

Is NaOH in the composition safe?

Yes, it is safe. NaOH in the INCI list indicates a technological process, not the content of lye in the finished product. The final pH of the product is checked by the manufacturer and is always within the acceptable range of 4-7 for skin products.

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