pH Adjustment in Cosmetic Formulations
Question
When is pH adjustment necessary in cosmetic formulations, how is it performed, and which substances are used for this purpose?
Answer
Based on the previous conversation, here is the information about pH adjustment:
Generally, pH adjustment is not necessary for most cosmetic formulations because the majority of ingredients (around 95%) are mildly acidic (pH 4-6.5) and suitable for the skin's pH range (4-7).
You only need to consider adjusting the pH in specific cases, primarily when using ingredients that have a significantly low or high pH outside the typical 4-7 range. A common example is exfoliating agents like AHAs, BHAs, or LHAs, which are acidic and can lower the formula's pH considerably.
To adjust the pH, you first measure the current pH of your formulation.
- If the pH is too high (too alkaline), you add an acidic substance to lower it. Examples of acidic substances used for this purpose include various AHAs, Lactic Acid, or Citric Acid.
- If the pH is too low (too acidic), you add a basic substance to raise it. An example of a basic substance used is Triethanolamine.
You would add a small amount of the adjusting substance, mix well, and re-measure the pH until it falls within the desired range, which is typically 4-7 for most skin care products.
Yes, the company sells substances used for pH adjustment, such as various AHAs, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid (acids), and Triethanolamine (base). You can find information about these products on the website.