Sodium Hydroxide (Lye) Powder – Essential pH Balancer for Skincare Formulations

Sodium Hydroxide, commonly known as Lye, is an essential alkaline compound used in professional cosmetic formulation. It plays a critical role in pH adjustment, ensuring skincare products remain safe, effective, and stable. Most notably, Sodium Hydroxide is the key ingredient responsible for saponification — the chemical process that transforms oils and butters into soap. When handled and diluted correctly, it becomes an invaluable tool in formulating high-performance skincare, cleansing products, and cold-process soaps.

What Is Sodium Hydroxide (Lye) in Skincare?

In cosmetic science, Sodium Hydroxide functions primarily as a pH adjuster. Small, controlled amounts are used to bring formulations to their proper pH range. It is also the foundation of traditional cold-process soapmaking, where it reacts with fatty acids to create moisturizing, skin-friendly soap bars. Although highly alkaline in its raw state, the ingredient becomes safe once fully neutralized in properly formulated products.

Professional Uses and Formulation Benefits

Sodium Hydroxide is widely used for pH correction, soapmaking, and stabilizing emulsions. Formulators rely on it to achieve accurate pH values in creams, gels, cleansers, and water-based systems. In saponification, it helps create strong yet gentle soap structures with consistent texture, lather, and cleansing ability. When measured and diluted precisely, Sodium Hydroxide enables the creation of safe, balanced skincare products suitable for all skin types.

INCI, Stability & Formulation Properties

INCI Name: Sodium Hydroxide
Solubility: Completely water-soluble
pH Stability: Highly alkaline and used to adjust high-pH systems
Comedogenic Rating: 0
Usage Recommendations: Used sparingly for pH correction or at calculated levels for saponification

Scientific literature highlights the role of Sodium Hydroxide in controlled chemical reactions such as saponification and pH regulation, as noted in
this NCBI chemistry reference.

Why Choose Sodium Hydroxide from OrganicsbyJumira?

Our Sodium Hydroxide Powder is produced to high purity standards, offering consistent performance for both small-batch and professional-scale production. It dissolves efficiently, reacts predictably in soapmaking, and provides precise pH adjustment for cosmetic formulations. Whether you are creating cold-process soaps, cleansers, or specialty formulations, our ingredient ensures reliability and accuracy.

Explore more formulation essentials at
OrganicsbyJumira Active Ingredients.

Safety & Handling

Sodium Hydroxide requires careful handling due to its caustic nature in raw form. Always wear protective equipment and follow formulation guidelines. Never apply directly to skin. Once properly diluted and neutralized within a formula, it becomes safe for cosmetic use. Ensure proper ventilation and store in airtight containers away from moisture.

Disclaimer

For professional use only. Not intended for direct skin application. Use precise calculations when adjusting pH or making soap. OrganicsbyJumira is not responsible for improper handling or misuse. Always run stability and pH tests before finalizing any formulation.