optimum pH - Chemists Corner

Formulating

optimum pH

Posted by Sarah on November 9, 2014 at 4:45 pm

Hi Everyone,

I was wondering what people’s thoughts were wrt to the optimum pH for cosmetic products.

Our moisturising creams usually sit in the range of pH 6.5 - 7.5

Our shampoo and conditioners are about pH 5.5

Facial cleanser pH 6.9 due to the aqua sf-1 (optimum pH for max viscosity)

Shower gels and hand washes pH 5-5.5

I am aware that the pH will vary depending on the product and preservative system etc but I would be interested to hear people’s thoughts/preferences when formulating.

This has turned into a rather waffling post - apologies….

Sarah

MarkBroussard replied 10 years ago 4 Members · 6 Replies
6 Replies

MarkBroussard

Member
November 9, 2014 at 7:02 pm

@Sarah:

Yes, the optimum pH for cosmetic products for application on the face is 4.7 to 5.1.

The Acid Mantle on the skin forms a protective barrier and products should be formulated at pH levels that do not significantly disrupt the Acid Mantle Barrier. You will find studies indicating that the range of pH on human skin is 4.7 to 5.5. There was a recent study … sorry, I cannot find the reference … indicating that the median was closer to 4.7.

It looks like all of your products are formulated at pH levels above 5.5.
MarkBroussard

Member
November 9, 2014 at 7:53 pm

Here you go @Sarah:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18489300
Chemist77

Member
November 9, 2014 at 9:36 pm

@MarkBroussard

Great link.
Sarah

Member
November 9, 2014 at 9:43 pm

brilliant - thanks Mark - just what I was looking for
nasrins

Member
November 10, 2014 at 7:36 am

@markbroussard what about hair? I saw some where pH 4.5 -7 is good
MarkBroussard

Member
November 10, 2014 at 8:01 am

@nasrins:

I am sorry, but I do not know anything about the optimal pH for hair products.

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