pH of Cream and Eye Area Safety

Asked by: poolyplus On: January 14, 2016 Product Type: Cosmetics

Question

My cream formulation measured a pH of 3-4 using a pH strip. Is this pH level safe for use around the eye area? I also want to understand why the pH is so low, especially since I used Pep-Coll (Syn-Coll) in the formula.

Answer

Regarding your questions about the pH of your cream formulation:

  1. pH Measurement: Based on your description of the pH strip colors and the previous staff's comment that color matching can be inexact, a pH in the range of 3-4 for your formula is plausible, especially since Pep-Coll (Syn-Coll) is known to have a low pH and is present in your formulation.

  2. Safety for Eye Area: A cream with a pH of 3-4 might be too acidic for the sensitive eye area, particularly if it's a day cream that could potentially run into your eyes and cause irritation. However, as mentioned by cosmeceutical7, it should generally be acceptable for use as a night cream when your eyes are closed, reducing the risk of contact.