Welcome back to ‘Behind the Blend!’ If you’ve been following along, you’ve already learned about emulsifiers, viscosity, and much more. In this penultimate episode, we’re diving into one of the most critical aspects of cosmetic formulation…. pH. Whether you’re crafting a silky serum or a gentle cleanser, understanding and balancing pH is key to creating products that are effective, stable, and skin-friendly. Let’s get started!
What is pH, and Why Does it Matter?
pH, or “potential of hydrogen,” measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is on a scale from 0 to 14.
For cosmetic formulations, pH impacts:
- Skin Compatibility: The skin’s natural pH is slightly acidic (around 4.5–5.5). Formulations outside this range can disrupt the skin barrier, causing dryness or irritation.
- Ingredient Efficacy: Certain actives, like AHAs and BHAs, only work within specific pH ranges.
- Product Stability: The wrong pH can destabilize emulsions, cause separation, or deactivate preservatives.
How to Measure and Adjust pH
Accurately measuring and adjusting pH is a vital step in formulation.
Measuring Tools
- pH Strips: Affordable and easy for quick checks but less precise.
- pH Meters: More accurate and recommended for advanced formulations.
Adjusting pH
- To Lower pH (More Acidic): Use ingredients like citric acid or lactic acid.
- To Raise pH (More Alkaline): Use sodium hydroxide, triethanolamine (TEA), or baking soda.
Adjust gradually, testing after each addition to ensure precision.
Common pH Ranges in Cosmetics
Understanding where your product fits ensures effectiveness and safety.
- Cleansers: 4.5–7 (gentle cleansers stay closer to the skin’s pH).
- Exfoliants: 3–4 (to maximize AHAs/BHAs while being safe).
- Serums and Creams: 4.5–6.5 (compatible with the skin barrier).
- Shampoos: 5–6.5 (to prevent dryness or scalp irritation).
Challenges in pH Balancing
While pH might sound straightforward, achieving balance can be tricky:
- pH Drift: Over time, pH can shift due to unstable ingredients. Regular testing during stability testing is essential.
- Ingredient Sensitivity: Some ingredients lose efficacy or react negatively outside their pH comfort zone.
- Packaging Impact: Certain packaging materials can alter pH—use compatible containers.
Mastering pH ensures your formulations are safe, effective, and well-received by customers. Whether you’re balancing a serum for sensitive skin or perfecting the pH of a cleanser, precision is key.
This marks the end of our Behind the Blend series! Over the course of these episodes, we’ve explored the foundational elements of formulation—from percentages and emulsification to viscosity and pH. Whether you’re creating your first product or refining a complete range, this knowledge provides the tools to craft innovative, high-performing cosmetics.
Take your skills to the next level with ingrevo. With features designed to support formulators—ingredient tracking, pH adjustments, compliance tools, and more—ingrevo empowers you to streamline your process and bring your ideas to life.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Keep exploring, experimenting, and creating amazing formulations!
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