Mixed
Sodium Hydroxide
Explained
Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
See all 11,784 products with Sodium Hydroxide
Users who like it
52%
Users who avoid it
48%
What it does
Buffering
Buffering ingredients help stabilise or adjust the ph level of a product.
Alternative names
Lye
Caustic Soda
Naoh
Prevalence
Somewhat common
Percentage of products that contain it
13.9%
Top categories
Cleansers
Treatments
Moisturizers
Position
Predominant list placement
Bottom 25%
Concentration
Concentrations we've seen
0% to
8%
References
Products with Sodium Hydroxide
CosIng Data
CosIng ID
37890
INCI Name
SODIUM HYDROXIDE
INN Name
sodium hydroxide
EC #
 215-185-5
Ph. Eur. Name
natrii hydroxidum
All Functions
Buffering, Denaturant
