Sodium hydroxide uses in personal care products

Sodium hydroxide with the chemical formula NaOH is a very strong base and is used in many industries due to its unique physical and chemical properties. The two most common forms of this material are liquid and solid (usually in the form of flakes and granules), the liquid form of which is soluble in water and its solid form has high purity.

Caustic soda, or solid sodium hydroxide, is one of the most widely used chemicals in industry. From water treatment industries to leather, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food, sodium hydroxide is used. One of these applications is the use of soda solution or solid in the preparation of skincare products. Sodium hydroxide is a highly alkaline substance used in small amounts in cosmetics and skincare products to create and stabilize the pH of the product.

Caustic soda is a mineral that is used to control pH and act as a buffer in many ingredients, such as cosmetics. This strong alkali is a white, odorless crystalline solid at room temperature. In the past, sodium hydroxide was used in soap, and today it is present in many formulas.

The solution of this compound is used for soaping fats; This means that it foams grease well in contact with soap and detergents. In fact, during this process, sodium hydroxide is completely consumed in the reaction and is not present in the final product.

NaOH acid or base:

In chemistry, materials can be divided into three categories: alkaline, acidic, and neutral. Hydroxide is a base. This strong alkali has a pH of 12 and for concentrated solutions, its value is 13- 14. This means that it is very alkaline and is mainly used in the manufacture of soaps and cleaning solutions.

Applications and uses of sodium hydroxide:

A wide range of different industries are consumers of sodium hydroxide. Its playful and bleaching properties have made it widely used in the production of detergents, aluminum, paper, and…

In the past, plant ashes were used to make soap, but today, by electrolysis of salts, various alkalis are made from it in the preparation of soaps. Other detergents are used.

KOH and NaOH are two well-known alkalis that are used in the preparation of various detergents.

Use of caustic soda in cosmetics and personal care products:

The main function of sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) in cosmetics and personal care products is to create and maintain the pH of the product in the standard amount. The skin’s natural pH is slightly acidic; It is usually between 4.5 and 5.75. This skin acidity is maintained by the sebaceous glands, sweat glands, and the natural covering of the skin.

This condition provides a layer of amino acids, lactic acid, and fats on the skin. This layer can effectively protect the skin against environmental factors such as bacteria, allergens, and pollutants that lead to premature aging and irritation.

The pH of cosmetics and skincare products is important to maintain the skin’s natural PH. On the one hand, if the product is too acidic, it may irritate the skin or cause a burning sensation. On the other hand, products that are too alkaline are still harmful to the skin; Because it destroys and dissolves the natural and essential fats of your skin.

Sodium hydroxide in the process of soaping:

Soap is made in a chemical reaction between fat and alkali. Its products are glycerol and soap and it is called a soaping reaction.

During this reaction, alkalis, such as liquid soda, break the bonds in the fat and react with it to form glycerol.

In general, alkalis are the main component of detergent products. These alkalis are usually soluble salts that are neutralized in reaction with acids. Soluble salts of an alkaline metal such as potassium or sodium can easily dissolve grease and fat. These materials convert fats into emulsions or suspended solids that are easily washed off with water.

Use in beauty products:

Liquid soda is used in low concentrations in the following products:

• hair color
• Soap
• Perfumes
• Nail care products
• Hair sprays
• Chemical hair straighteners

The use of this substance in most beauty products is done due to the stabilization of the pH range. Therefore, this compound is mostly used in hair products.

The use of liquid soda in hair products creates an environment with a less acidic range for the scalp and hair and prevents chemical products from damaging the hair.

Side effect:

Concentrated sodium hydroxide is very irritating to swallow and severely corrosive to the skin, eyes, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract. Caustic soda for use in cosmetics and personal care products in various concentrations has been approved 5% by weight in nail cuticle solvents, 2% by weight in conditioner and hair conditioners for general use, 4.5% by weight in condition Hair donors for professional use.