Sodium Hydroxide in Skin Care: Everything You Need to Know

At Clique, we believe education is empowerment, especially when it comes to understanding what is in your skincare. One ingredient that often raises eyebrows and confusion is Sodium Hydroxide.

Due to its intimidating name and association with chemical processes (hydroxide), Sodium Hydroxide is often misunderstood and sometimes feared. In reality, it is actually a key player in cosmetic formulation, especially when used in the correct concentrations.

Let’s explore why it’s there, what it does, and whether you should be worried.

What is Sodium Hydroxide?

Also known as lye or caustic soda, Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) is a highly alkaline compound often used in very small amounts in cosmetic and skincare formulations. Unlike actives like retinol or niacinamide, it is not used to treat your skin but it serves a critical role behind the scenes.

Key Roles in Skincare:

• pH Adjuster: Sodium Hydroxide is mainly used to balance the pH of a product, especially when acids like AHAs (glycolic, lactic) or BHAs (salicylic acid) are present.
• Soap-Making Agent: It plays a central role in saponification, the chemical process that transforms oils and fats into soap.
• Inactive Stabilizer: Though not considered an “active” ingredient, it is vital for ensuring other ingredients within a formulation remain stable and effective.

Chemical Composition & Properties of Sodium Hydroxide

Sodium Hydroxide is an inorganic compound with the formula NaOH. It is a strong base and one of the most alkaline substances known, carrying a pH of 14 in its pure form.

Key Properties:

• Highly Reactive: Particularly with water and acids.
• Corrosive in Concentration: Can burn skin or mucous membranes in pure form.
• pH Neutralizer: In low concentrations, it counterbalances the acidity of other ingredients, making formulations skin-safe.

Read more about Sodium Hydroxide chemical structure

Despite its industrial uses, in skincare, Sodium Hydroxide is heavily diluted, usually under 1% concentration and carefully tested for safety.

How Sodium Hydroxide Works in Skin Care

The most common misconception about Sodium Hydroxide is that it is too harsh for the skin. That only applies if it is misused or present in high concentrations. In well-formulated products, it plays a subtle yet powerful role.

Here’s how it works:

• Balances pH: Many actives, especially acids are only effective at certain pH levels. Sodium Hydroxide adjusts the formulation to stay within an ideal PH.
• Prevents Skin Irritation: Ironically, despite being caustic on its own, it helps reduce the irritation potential of overly acidic formulations.
• Stabilises Ingredients: Prevents active ingredients from degrading too quickly, ensuring your serum or toner stays effective longer.

When you see Sodium Hydroxide on the ingredient list of your cleanser or serum, it is not something to fear, as it is there to protect your skin barrier.

Key Benefits of Sodium Hydroxide

While not a star ingredient, Sodium Hydroxide earns its place in the formulation process due to its behind-the-scenes benefits:

• pH Balancing Agent: Ensures the product is not too acidic or too alkaline for skin.
• Product Stability: Helps maintain the chemical integrity of potent actives like AHAs, BHAs, and Vitamin C.
• Soap Creation: In cleansers and bars, it converts oils into cleansing agents.
• Boosts Skin Compatibility: A balanced pH means less risk of irritation and better absorption of other ingredients.

Potential Side Effects & Considerations with Sodium Hydroxide

As with all skincare ingredients, the dose makes the poison. In high concentrations, Sodium Hydroxide is corrosive and should never be applied directly to the skin.

Possible Side Effects:

• Skin Irritation: Especially if the product isn’t formulated properly
• Eye Irritation: If accidentally splashed near the eye
• Skin Barrier Disruption: When used in high amounts or combined with other irritants

However, in skincare, the concentration of Sodium Hydroxide is typically well below 1%, making it perfectly safe when used appropriately.

Is Sodium Hydroxide Safe in Skin Care Products?

Yes, and again, when formulated correctly. Regulatory agencies like the U.S. FDA and EU Cosmetic Regulation allow its use in rinse-off and leave-on products at low levels.
Safety assessment data from the CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) panel confirm that Sodium Hydroxide is safe for cosmetic use in regulated amounts.

How to Use Sodium Hydroxide in Your Routine

Good news! You do not need to do anything special when it comes to Sodium Hydroxide. It is mostly in your existing skincare as a formulation helper, an ingredient that works with others to make your product more effective and skin-friendly.

Common Products Containing NaOH:

• Gel Cleansers
• Soap Bars (especially handcrafted ones)
• Toners with acids
• Medical-grade formulations prescribed at Clique Clinic

You won’t find a “Sodium Hydroxide Serum” and that is a good thing as it is strictly a supporting role.

Who Should Use It?

Sodium Hydroxide, as a pH adjuster, is generally safe for all skin types. But if you’re particularly sensitive, or recovering from treatments like microneedling, CO2 laser, or chemical peels (which we offer at Clique Clinic), you might want to:

• Choose low-foam, non-soap cleansers
• Avoid harsh bar soaps with high NaOH content
• Consult with our Clique doctors about ingredient safety during recovery

Final Thoughts

Sodium Hydroxide may sound intimidating, but in reality, it is one of the unsung heroes of skincare formulation. It doesn’t make your skin glow on its own, but it does ensure that the ingredients that do, like retinol, AHAs, and peptides can work effectively without damaging your skin.

At Clique Clinic, we believe that understanding your skincare helps you make smarter choices. We meticulously evaluate every ingredient in our procedures and products so you don’t have to worry about what’s going on your skin, even the ones hiding at the bottom of the ingredient list.

Curious about what’s really in your skincare and whether it is helping or hurting your skin barrier? Our doctors are happy to guide you toward the best products and treatments for your skin type.

Book a consultation with us today and let us build a skincare plan that works from the inside out. wa.me/60123537960