Strong oxidizer for professional hair lightening; mix with H₂O₂ developer; dust‑reduced powders; brief, rinse‑off only.
Potassium Persulfate (Cosmetics) is a strong oxidizing salt used almost exclusively in professional hair lightening/bleach powders and as an oxidizing booster in some oxidative hair coloring systems.
In practice the powder is mixed immediately before use with a hydrogen peroxide developer. The resulting on‑head mixture operates in an alkaline pH window to accelerate melanin (and dye) oxidation for rapid lift.
Safety consensus for cosmetics supports brief, discontinuous, rinse‑off use of persulfates in hair bleaching/coloring when used as directed. Use dust‑reduced grades and ventilation; avoid breathing dust.
Product Description: Designed for professional bleach/lightener powders (often blended with ammonium/sodium persulfate, alkalizers, silica/anti‑caking agents, and thickeners). Appears at lower levels in some cream/clay lighteners as a performance booster. Rinse‑off, time‑limited use only.
Usage: Dust‑reduced bleaching/lightening powders; oxidative hair color booster. Professional use only.
Mixing method:
- Two‑part systems: Mix powder with hydrogen peroxide developer immediately before use; maintain alkaline pH (~9–11). Do not occlude during processing. Rinse thoroughly after short contact.
- Engineering: Select dust‑reduced/granulated grades, control dust with local exhaust, and keep packaging tightly sealed with desiccant. Avoid excessive heat/exotherm; persulfates decompose faster at elevated temperature.
- Compatibility: Store dry and away from reducing agents/combustibles. Use chelators to limit heavy‑metal contamination; pair with alkalizers (e.g., ammonia/MEA) per formula design.
Usage rate: High in the powder component before mixing; industry surveys report potassium persulfate up to ~72.5% in some rinse‑off hair color/lightener powders (before developer dilution). Always evaluate on‑head concentrations after mixing and keep contact brief.
Product characteristics: White crystalline powder; strong oxidizer; moisture‑sensitive.
Solubility: Limited in water and may decompose/oxidize; keep dry. Compatible with alkalizers and chelators; avoid reducing agents and heavy‑metal contamination.
Warnings: Potential for skin irritation/urticaria and respiratory symptoms has been reported occupationally. Avoid breathing dust and use in well‑ventilated areas. For professional use only.
