How to make a pH 5.5 Cleanser

To make a soap with a pH of 5.5, it will not be a "True Soap" made from oils and alkali, which naturally has a high pH (around 9-10). Instead, it will be a cleansing product called "Syndet" (Synthetic Detergent) or soap-free cleanser, which uses synthetic surfactants that can be adjusted to a pH in the range of 5.5, close to the natural pH of the skin, for gentleness.

There are several ways to approach this:

• Using Ready-Made Syndet Soap Bases: This is the easiest method. Use a soap base specifically designed to have the desired pH range. You can simply melt and add other desired ingredients. Examples include:

  • Syndet Bar (Soap Free, pH 4.5-5.5): A soap-free bar base with a pH in the range of 4.5-5.5, suitable for sensitive skin.
  • Clear Soap Bar (Amino Acids Based, pH 5-6, Soap-Free): A clear bar base made from amino acids with a pH of approximately 5-6. It is gentle and does not contain true soap ingredients.

• Using Amino Acid Surfactants: This group of surfactants is very gentle and works well in low pH formulations. They are suitable for making liquid soaps or face wash gels with pH 5.5. Examples include:

  • Sodium Lauroyl Glycinate: An amino acid-based surfactant that provides good lather and is gentle. It can be used in formulas requiring a low pH.
  • Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate (90%, Solid): Another highly gentle amino acid-based surfactant that also provides good foam.

When formulating a liquid soap with pH 5.5 using amino acid surfactants, you might need to adjust the pH using mild acids like Citric Acid or Lactic Acid to achieve the desired value.

For example formulations of pH 5.5 face wash gels, you can look for recipes from various sources. Alternatively, you can start by using a ready-made Syndet Bar or Clear Soap Bar if you prefer a bar format, or use amino acid surfactants if you want to create a liquid format.