pH adjusters in skincare — what they do
⏱ 1 min read
⚡ Quick answer: pH adjusters fine-tune a formula to skin-friendly acidity, which keeps both the product and your skin barrier happy.
pH adjusters fine-tune a formula to skin-friendly acidity, which keeps both the product and your skin barrier happy.
6 ph adjusters in the K-beauty INCI decoder
- Aminomethyl Propanol — A buffering agent that helps set a formula's pH and supports gel thickeners.
- Potassium Hydroxide — A pH adjuster that helps bring a formula to the right acidity for comfortable use.
- Sodium Citrate — A buffering salt that helps hold a formula at a steady, skin-friendly pH.
- Sodium Hydroxide — A pH adjuster used in tiny amounts to help balance a formula to a skin-friendly level.
- Triethanolamine — A pH adjuster that helps balance acidity and supports a smooth, even texture.
- Tromethamine — A buffering agent that helps neutralize and stabilize the pH of a gel or lotion.
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Explore more K-beauty guides → ⏭ Up next🫧 Cleansing agents (surfactants) in skincare — what they do✍️ Written & reviewed by the KoreaPlus Editorial team — dermatologist-informed, cosmetic-science researched & source-cited. Last reviewed: 2026-08-08.
General educational information using cosmetic structure-function wording — not medical advice. Always patch-test new actives. © KoreaPlus.