Potassium Hydroxide

Potassium Hydroxide

Commonly referred to as potash lye or caustic potash or just lye, Potassium Hydroxide is an inorganic compound. It contains a powerful base in the form of hydroxide and therefore, it can be used as a pH controller or stabilizer when the formulation is highly acidic.

Potassium Hydroxide finds its use in different industries for the manufacturing of cleaning products, cosmetics, and personal care products. It is also used for refining petroleum and as a thickener when it comes to cosmetic applications like lotions, gels, and creams. Though it is also used as a pH controller in the food industry, the Potassium Hydroxide that we are providing here is strictly meant for products that are to be used externally.

Potassium Hydroxide is useful for making soaps as it plays a key role in a process called saponification. Due to its cleansing properties, it is also used widely for manufacturing house cleaners, drain cleaners, and detergents. Though used during the formulation phase of soaps and cosmetics, this ingredient will not be present in the actual product as it gets utilized totally during saponification.

Potassium Hydroxide is suitable for all skin types but people who are allergic to lye must be careful before its use. Our skin contains a barrier called the acid mantle that protects it from external pollutants, bacteria, dust, toxins, and allergens. However, application of skincare products and cosmetic applications that are acidic tend to break this mantle which results in premature aging of your skin.

Adding Potassium Hydroxide to such products will control the acidity and protect the acid mantle from breaking down. As a result, this cosmetic raw material indirectly contributes towards the prevention of skin aging.