INCI Name
Potassium Hydroxide
Ingredient Origin
• Inorganic mineral-based compound
• Produced via controlled chemical processes
• Suitable for cosmetic and personal care manufacturing
Purity / Grade
• Cosmetic Grade
• White pellets, flakes, or powder (grade-dependent)
• Odourless, highly alkaline material
• High purity suitable for formulation use
BENEFITS & USES
Key Benefits
• Essential for liquid and soft soap production
• Effective pH adjustment in emulsions and solutions
• Enables clear, stable potassium-based soaps
• Improves cleansing efficiency in wash-off products
• Reliable performance in professional formulations
Typical Applications
• Liquid soaps and hand washes
• Shaving creams and gels
• Creams and lotions (pH adjustment)
• Hair relaxers (professional use)
• Soap bases and surfactant systems
HOW IT WORKS
Potassium Hydroxide works by increasing alkalinity and reacting with fatty acids or oils to form potassium salts (soaps). In emulsions and cosmetic bases, it helps adjust pH to the desired range, ensuring product stability, performance, and skin compatibility when used correctly.
CONCENTRATION & SOLUBILITY
Recommended Usage Levels
O/W Emulsion and Snuscreens: 0.1-0.2%, Cleansers: 0.15-0.22%, Wipe Juices: 0.15-0.22%
Solubility Details
• Highly soluble in water
• Not oil-soluble
• Reacts with fatty acids and esters
FORMULATION GUIDELINES
• Always dissolve in water before addition
• Add slowly with proper agitation
• Monitor and adjust final pH carefully
• Avoid direct skin contact during handling
• Use appropriate PPE during formulation
HOW TO USE
• Dilute KoH in water to the required strength
• Add gradually to the formulation while checking pH
• Neutralise or balance final product pH as needed
SAFETY & REGULATORY INFORMATION
• Cosmetic ingredient for external use only
• Highly alkaline – handle with care
• Not intended for direct skin application
• Non-therapeutic, non-medical claims only
• Compliant with Indian cosmetic regulations (CDSCO)
STORAGE & SHELF LIFE
• Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area
• Keep container tightly sealed
• Protect from moisture and humidity
• Shelf life: 24month