SODIUM HYDROXIDE
Find out why the pH value in skin care products is crucial and how sodium hydroxide helps. Protect and balance the skin barrier.
Content: 0.2 Liter (CHF129.35* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.075 Liter (CHF518.25* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.2 Liter (CHF649.95* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.05 Liter (CHF777.40* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.05 Liter (CHF759.80* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.075 Liter (CHF518.25* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.075 Liter (CHF518.25* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.075 Liter (CHF518.25* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.2 Liter (CHF595.00* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.05 Liter (CHF697.40* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.2 Liter (CHF194.00* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.05 Liter (CHF777.40* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.5 Liter (CHF106.00* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.05 Liter (CHF777.40* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.2 Liter (CHF699.35* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.05 Liter (CHF699.80* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.02 Liter (CHF2,440.00* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.2 Liter (CHF149.35* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.2 Liter (CHF129.35* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.2 Liter (CHF545.00* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.05 Liter (CHF777.40* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.2 Liter (CHF149.35* / 1 Liter)
INCI: SODIUM HYDROXIDE - Sodium hydroxide in skincare: The unsubstantial importance of pH value
Sodium hydroxide, also known as caustic soda or sodium hydroxide solution, is an active ingredient that is valued in skincare less for its direct effect on the skin and more for its role in regulating the pH value in products. The pH plays a crucial role in the health and balance of the skin. In this article, we will look in detail at the use of sodium hydroxide in skincare and its general and specific effects.
What is sodium hydroxide?
Sodium hydroxide is a corrosive, alkaline substance that is used in industry for various purposes, including the manufacture of soaps, detergents and paper. In skincare, sodium hydroxide is used to regulate the pH of products and ensure that they are kind to the skin.
General effect of sodium hydroxide in skin care
The use of sodium hydroxide in skincare has no direct, specific effect on the skin. Instead, this active ingredient helps to maintain the correct pH level, which in turn is crucial for skin health. Here are some of the general effects and meanings of Sodium Hydroxide in skincare:
1. pH regulation
The pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is. The natural pH of the skin is between 4.5 and 5.5, which is slightly acidic. Products that have this pH value help to maintain the skin's natural acid mantle. Sodium hydroxide is used to bring the pH value of skin care products into the desired range.
2. protect the skin barrier
The skin's acid mantle is crucial to protect the skin from external influences, such as bacteria and pollution. A balanced pH helps to keep this barrier intact, which in turn protects against infection and irritation.
3. improved product efficacy
The pH of a skincare product can influence the efficacy of the active ingredients it contains. By regulating the pH, Sodium Hydroxide can help other ingredients to be better absorbed by the skin.
Specific effect of sodium hydroxide in skin care
As already mentioned, sodium hydroxide does not have a specific effect on the skin itself, but rather on the pH value of products. Its specific importance lies in maintaining a balanced pH value, which in turn is of great importance for the skin. It plays a decisive role in the following specific effect:
1. maintaining the skin's protective acid mantle
The skin's natural acid mantle protects against bacteria and environmental influences. A balanced pH value, which is regulated by sodium hydroxide, helps to maintain this important barrier and minimise skin irritation.
The importance of pH in skin care
The pH plays a crucial role in skincare as it influences the health and balance of the skin. A balanced pH supports the natural skin barrier and prevents the penetration of harmful bacteria and germs. When pH is out of balance, it can lead to skin problems, including irritation, dryness and acne.
How pH affects the skin
A low pH (acidic environment) on the skin promotes the production of lipids that moisturise and protect the skin. A balanced pH also ensures that the skin is able to regenerate and heal itself.
A high pH (alkaline environment) can compromise the natural skin barrier and make the skin more susceptible to infection and irritation. Products with a pH that is too high can dry out the skin and disrupt the natural balance.
The importance of the right pH level in products
Using skincare products with a pH that is close to the skin's natural pH is crucial to maintaining skin health and balance. Products that are too acidic or too alkaline can unbalance the skin and cause problems. This is where Sodium Hydroxide comes into play as it helps to regulate the pH of skincare products and ensure they are kind to the skin.
The use of sodium hydroxide in skincare
Sodium hydroxide is not usually applied directly to the skin, but is used as an ingredient in skincare products to help regulate the pH. Here are some examples of where you can find sodium hydroxide in skincare products:
1. cleansers
Facial cleansers and body washes often contain sodium hydroxide to bring the pH to the right level so that they can thoroughly cleanse the skin without drying it out.
2. exfoliants
Scrubs and exfoliators can contain sodium hydroxide to improve the effectiveness of the AHA or BHA acids they contain. This effectively removes dead skin cells.
3. moisturisers
Moisturisers can use sodium hydroxide to ensure that they do not affect the pH of the skin while moisturising.
Conclusion
Sodium Hydroxide may not seem like a glamorous active ingredient in skincare at first glance, but its role in regulating pH is crucial. A balanced pH is key to skin health and balance. By ensuring that skincare products have the correct pH, Sodium Hydroxide helps to support the skin barrier and prevent skin problems. Skin care is not only about the active ingredients, but also about the right balance and understanding the skin's needs.