Ph-adjuster
Potassium Hydroxide
A strong alkaline agent used in small amounts to adjust formula pH or as a saponifying agent in soap-based cleansers.
pH adjustersaponifying agent
✓ Safe
Comedogenic Rating
0/5
Irritation Potential
0/5
What is it?
Potassium Hydroxide is a strong alkali. In cosmetics, it is used in carefully controlled, low concentrations either to neutralize acidic ingredients and adjust pH, or to convert oils into soap (saponification) in bar and liquid soap cleansers.
Used in cleansers as a saponifying agent, and in small amounts across other formulas as a pH adjuster.
Key Benefits
pH adjustment
Helps bring a formula's pH to a target, skin-compatible range.
Soap formation
Converts fatty acids into cleansing soap in traditional formulas.
Suitable for
Main Actions
When it may be insufficient
At high, unbuffered concentrations it is highly irritating and caustic — its safety depends entirely on careful, low-concentration formulation by the manufacturer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Potassium Hydroxide do for skin?
Used in cleansers as a saponifying agent, and in small amounts across other formulas as a pH adjuster.
Who should use Potassium Hydroxide?
Potassium Hydroxide is suitable for: formulated products only — never used at-home in raw form.
Are there any warnings about Potassium Hydroxide?
At high, unbuffered concentrations it is highly irritating and caustic — its safety depends entirely on careful, low-concentration formulation by the manufacturer.
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