Characteristics
- INCI
- Sodium Hydroxide
- Ru.
- lye
- CAS
-
1310-73-2
This is the substance number in the Chemical Abstracts Service registry. The CAS number uniquely identifies a substance regardless of language, trade name, or synonyms.
- EC
-
215-185-5
This is the substance number in the European chemical identification system (EC number), used in European regulatory databases including ECHA/CosIng.
- IUPAC
- Sodium Hydroxide
- Functions
- buffering, denaturant
- EU Restr.
-
III/15a
EU regulatory status: restricted use. The ingredient is permitted in EU cosmetics but its use and labelling are regulated.
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Who it's for
Description
The unfancy name for it is lye. It’s a solid white stuff that’s very alkaline and used in small amounts to adjust the pH of the product and make it just right.
For example, in case of AHA or BHA exfoliants, the right pH is super-duper important, and pH adjusters like sodium hydroxide are needed.
BTW, lye is not something new. It was already used by ancient Egyptians to help oil and fat magically turn into something else. Can you guess what? Yes, it’s soap. It still often shows up in the ingredient list of soaps and other cleansers.
Sodium hydroxide in itself is a potent skin irritant, but once it's reacted (as it is usually in skin care products, like exfoliants) it is totally harmless.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sodium Hydroxide
What does sodium hydroxide do in skincare products?
Is sodium hydroxide bad for skin?
Why is sodium hydroxide used in soap?
Can sodium hydroxide be used on the face?
What are the risks of sodium hydroxide in cosmetics?
Products with Sodium Hydroxide (29 091 total)
Most often found in Nivea products (437 items)
