POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE
Potassium hydroxide is a mineral compound used in cosmetics as a pH regulator and neutralizing agent. Present in very small quantities in formulas, it allows for a stable texture and a skin-appropriate pH, two essential conditions for guaranteeing the efficacy and proper tolerance of a skincare product.
POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE: An Essential Balance for the Skin
pH REGULATOR ⎪ NEUTRALIZING AGENT
What is Potassium Hydroxide?
Potassium Hydroxide is an alkaline compound widely used in cosmetic formulations to adjust the pH of skincare products. This step is indispensable: an unsuitable pH can alter the stability of ingredients, modify a product's texture, or reduce its skin tolerance. By neutralizing certain fatty acids naturally present in the formula, Potassium Hydroxide also participates in the formation of the emulsion, giving the skincare product its uniform texture that is pleasant to apply.
In our [MY] Balancing Pro-Collagen Balm, it is used solely as a formulation helper. It contributes to obtaining a stable balm texture and a pH that respects the physiological balance of the skin, ensuring optimal efficacy of the biomimetic active ingredients.
Where does Potassium Hydroxide come from?
Potassium Hydroxide is obtained through the electrolysis of a potassium chloride solution, a naturally abundant mineral salt. This process produces a high-purity compound that meets the strict requirements of the cosmetic industry.
Once incorporated into a formula, it is generally consumed during the neutralization reaction and remains only in residual amounts in the finished product.
Properties and Active Principles of Potassium Hydroxide
Potassium Hydroxide plays an exclusively technical role in cosmetic care.
Its main functions are:
- Regulates pH to respect the natural balance of the skin.
- Neutralizes certain fatty acids to form a stable emulsion.
- Improves the physical stability of the formula.
- Guarantees a uniform texture that is pleasant upon application.
- Promotes the proper preservation of the properties of other ingredients.
What are the benefits of Potassium Hydroxide?
Potassium Hydroxide does not act directly on the skin. Its value lies in the quality and stability of the formulation.
Thanks to it:
- The product's pH remains compatible with the skin.
- The active ingredients maintain their efficacy over time.
- The texture remains stable throughout use.
- The product offers better skin tolerance.
Although it is discreet in the INCI list, it contributes to the overall proper functioning of the formula.
Potassium Hydroxide at the heart of MiYé formulas
[MY] BALANCING PRO-COLLAGEN BALM
- Adjusts the formula's pH to respect the skin's balance.
- Stabilizes the emulsion to guarantee a uniform balm texture.
- Helps preserve the efficacy of the biomimetic active ingredients present in the care product.
How to use Potassium Hydroxide?
Potassium Hydroxide is used exclusively during the formulation of cosmetic products. It is introduced in very small quantities to adjust the pH of the formula and neutralize certain fatty acids, an essential step to obtain a stable emulsion that is well tolerated by the skin. Once this reaction is complete, it no longer plays an active role on the skin but helps guarantee the quality, stability, and efficacy of the product throughout its use.
Any side effects?
In its pure state and at high concentrations, Potassium Hydroxide is a corrosive compound that must be handled with care during product manufacturing. However, in finished cosmetics, it is used at very low concentrations to adjust pH and is generally fully neutralized during formulation. Scientific evaluations conclude that it is safe under these conditions of use. As with any cosmetic product, individual sensitivity remains possible, but it is rare when the formula is properly developed.
Frequently Asked Questions about Potassium Hydroxide
- Is Potassium Hydroxide an active ingredient for the skin? No. It does not provide any direct benefit to the skin. Its role is purely technical: it allows for a stable, well-tolerated formula that delivers optimal performance.
- Is it safe in cosmetics? Yes. Although Potassium Hydroxide is corrosive in its pure state, it is used at very low concentrations in cosmetics and is typically neutralized during manufacturing. Scientific evaluations from the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) and the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) conclude that it is safe under normal conditions of use.
- Why is it important to adjust the pH of a skincare product? The pH influences formula stability, the proper preservation of ingredients, and the respect for the skin's natural balance. A suitable pH contributes to better skin tolerance and allows other active ingredients to function under optimal conditions.