Ingredient dictionary

Used to adjust pH in cosmetics.

Used to adjust and control a formula’s pH. Also enhances the penetration of other skin care ingredients, making them more effective.

This inorganic salt is used in cosmetics to help increase a product’s viscosity.

Clear, colourless liquid used in cosmetics to adjust a product's pH level.

This naturally occurring alkaline compound poses a strong risk of sensitizing skin.

Citrate buffer is a buffered mixture of sodium citrate and citric acid and is used in cosmetics as a pH adjuster.

Ingredient used in skin care products to adjust a formula's pH. In the right concentration/formula, it can also exfoliate skin.

Controversial ingredient for skin because research has shown conflicting results. It seems to offer an initial benefit that improves skin firmness, but these results are short-lived and eventually give way to destruction of the substances in skin that help keep it firm.

A synthetic salt that helps to adjust and maintain the pH of water-based and water soluble cosmetic formulas.

A “behind-the-scenes” ingredient commonly used as a buffering agent/pH adjuster. It also helps prevent the rusting of metals used in cosmetic packaging.

Controversial ingredient for skin because research has shown conflicting results. It seems to offer an initial benefit that improves skin firmness, but these results are short-lived and eventually give way to destruction of the substances in skin that help keep it firm.

Also known by the acronym HEPES, hydroxyethylpiperazine ethane sulfonic acid is a buffering ingredient typically used to establish a neutral pH in water-based solutions.

Inorganic mineral salt used as an absorbent, opacifying agent, colouring agent, or to adjust the pH of cosmetic products.

A type of ingredient used to modify the pH of cosmetic formulas to ensure proper stability and efficacy. 

Used as a pH adjuster in cosmetics and skin care products.

Important element in diet that is present in such fruits as bananas and citrus.

Chelating agent and pH adjuster. May be plant-derived or synthetic.

Also known as lye, a highly alkaline ingredient used in small amounts in cosmetics.

This ingredient occurs naturally in the human body and is used primarily in cosmetics as a pH adjuster.  

Used as a pH adjuster.

The sodium salt derived from acetic acid, it serves as a buffering agent when used in small amounts.

A synthetic inorganic salt more commonly known as baking soda. It has many functions in cosmetics, including pH adjuster, buffering agent, and abrasive, such as in face or body scrubs.

A compound used in cosmetics in small quantities primarily as a pH adjuster.

This workhorse ingredient helps control the pH of skin care products, making it valuable in exfoliants, cleansers, and toners. It also has antioxidant, chelating and preservative properties, and is used in both food and medical applications.