What is sodium hydroxide in cosmetics?
Are you unfamiliar with the term sodium hydroxide? What about lye or caustic soda?
These are just other names for sodium hydroxide, which some of you may know as caustic soda, used in making soap.
Sodium hydroxide is a substance designated as a poisonous substance under the Poisonous and Deleterious Substances Control Act. If it comes into contact with the eyes or skin, it can cause chemical burns.
However, it's actually not that hard to come by and can easily be purchased at any drugstore, and it's also found in many skin care products.
Sodium hydroxide is contained in skin care products that we apply to our skin almost every day. It sounds scary, but is it safe?
Relatively safe for general use
As mentioned above, in high concentrations it is a highly toxic and dangerous substance. It can cause chemical burns, hives and skin pitting. It is also very harmful if eaten or inhaled.
However, sodium hydroxide is generally only used in very small amounts in cosmetics, meaning there is no risk of chemical burns from skin care products and no risk of toxic fumes being produced.
Used in the following products
Sodium hydroxide is used in many beauty and skin care products, including soaps, facial cleansers, body creams and lotions.
It's also found in many cleaning products, including laundry detergents, drain cleaners, and oven cleaners, because its strong alkalinity helps it remove acidic stains.
Function of sodium hydroxide
You may wonder why ingredients designated as hazardous substances are used in so many skin care products.
Sodium hydroxide is used in skin care products to help regulate and maintain the pH balance.
Sodium hydroxide is a strong alkali. On the pH scale, which ranges from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (alkaline, or very basic), it has a maximum alkaline value of 14. On the other hand, the pH of skin lies between 4 and 7, which is what we call a slightly acidic state.
Maintaining your skin's natural acidity is important to keep it hydrated.
It is also important in protecting the skin from harmful elements like bacteria, viruses, pollutants and damaging UV rays.
When your skin's pH balance is disrupted, the following symptoms can occur:
- Skin problems such as acne
- Itchy or dry skin
- Changes in skin pigmentation
- Fine lines
Sodium hydroxide also plays an important role in saponifying skin care products, a chemical reaction that turns oils and fats into a smooth, well-mixed soap.
Skin problems caused by sodium hydroxide
Sodium hydroxide is generally considered to be safe, but it has been reported that it may irritate the skin when used in concentrations of 0.5% or more.
People with sensitive skin in particular may experience the following skin problems:
- Hives, rash, itchy skin
- Skin flaking, dryness
- Aggravation of sensitive skin
- inflammation
- Redness
If you have sensitive skin, if you have naturally weak skin due to atopic dermatitis, or if your skin becomes sensitive before your period or while breastfeeding, it may be a good idea to choose products that do not contain sodium hydroxide, if possible.
Useful information is being distributed via LINE
CONCIO Academy's LINE account provides tips on how to choose better cosmetics. Please use it to make truly kind choices for yourself and your loved ones .
Register here → https://lin.ee/jAkRPAs
"CONCIO" - A company that thoroughly researches the risks of cosmetic ingredients
CONCIO is the first additive-free skin care product in Japan to receive EWG certification, meeting new standards.
Focusing on the risk of skin irritation and allergies caused by cosmetic ingredients, we strictly adhere to our own safety standards and do not use 2,500 ingredients.
We deliver world-class peace of mind to sensitive skin in Japan.
*This does not guarantee that skin irritation or allergies will not occur in all people.
