3 ingredients
pH Adjuster
Explore all 3 ingredients in the pH Adjuster category. Learn about their benefits and find products that contain them.
Sodium Hydroxide
Sodium hydroxide (also known as lye or caustic soda) is a highly alkaline inorganic compound used in cosmetics in very small amounts to adjust the pH of formulations. In its pure form it is a potent skin irritant, but it reacts fully with acids during manufacturing — meaning no free sodium hydroxide remains in the finished product. It is particularly important in exfoliant and cleanser formulations where maintaining a precise pH (3–4 for AHAs, 4.5–6 for cleansers) is critical to both safety and efficacy.
Learn more →Triethanolamine
Triethanolamine (TEA) is an alkaline compound used primarily as a pH adjuster and buffering agent in cosmetic formulations, where it neutralises acidic ingredients to bring the product to skin-compatible pH. It also functions as an emulsifier and surfactant, helping to stabilise oil-in-water mixtures. At 1% concentration it produces a solution of approximately pH 10, so it is used in very small quantities.
Learn more →Aminomethyl Propanol
Aminomethyl propanol (also known as 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol or AMP) is a synthetic alkaline compound used in cosmetics primarily as a pH adjuster and buffering agent. It raises the pH of formulations to the optimal range required for efficacy and stability, and is commonly found in leave-on and rinse-off products including serums, gels, styling products, and mascaras. In the EU it is regulated under Annex III of the Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 due to nitrosamine formation concerns.
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