Using HEPES to Adjust Cream pH

HEPES (hydroxyethyl piperazineethanesulfonic acid) is primarily known as a buffering agent, effective in the pH range of approximately 5.0-6.5. While it helps to stabilize and maintain the pH within this specific range, it is not typically used as an acid to significantly lower the pH of a cream that is starting from a very high pH value.

If your cream has a high pH and you need to bring it down into the typical acidic range for skin (usually pH 4.5-6.5), other acidic ingredients are generally more suitable for this purpose. HEPES is better suited for adjusting the pH to and maintaining it within its buffering range of 5.0-6.5.

Additionally, HEPES is also used as a gentle exfoliant in cosmetic formulations.