Potassium Hydroxide

Potassium Hydroxide is a strong inorganic base commonly known as lye. It's used in cosmetics to adjust pH and form soap through saponification in cleansers, typically present at low levels or neutralized in the finished product.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A strong alkaline ingredient used in tiny amounts to make soap.
Category
Cleansing
Type
pH Adjuster

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Poor

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

Provides no direct cosmetic glow or hydration benefits; it mainly serves a technical role in formulas. Can be irritating if not properly neutralized in the final product.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Used in wash-off formats like liquid cleansers and soaps to aid neutralization and soap-making steps during production.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

Irritation Risk: Unneutralized KOH is strongly alkaline and can cause stinging, redness, or burns, particularly to eyes and compromised skin. In finished cosmetics it is typically used at very low levels or neutralized, but those sensitive to high pH should be cautious, especially with leave-on products.

Is Potassium Hydroxide a Good Ingredient?

It's rated Poor because it mainly acts as a pH adjuster and processing aid with no direct skin benefits, and at high pH or improper levels it can be highly irritating or caustic.

Products with Potassium Hydroxide

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