Sodium Hydroxide: what it is in skincare
⚡ Quick answer: A pH adjuster used in tiny amounts to help balance a formula to a skin-friendly level.
A pH adjuster used in tiny amounts to help balance a formula to a skin-friendly level.
What it does
Function: ph-adjuster. pH adjusters fine-tune a formula to skin-friendly acidity, which keeps both the product and your skin barrier happy.
How to spot it on a label
On a Korean product's INCI list, look for Sodium Hydroxide. Ingredients are listed high-to-low by amount, so its position hints at how much is in the formula. See all ph adjusters →
Explore the full K-beauty hub →✍️ Written & reviewed by the KoreaPlus Editorial team — dermatologist-informed, cosmetic-science researched & source-cited. Last reviewed 2026-06-21.
General educational information using cosmetic structure-function wording — not medical advice. Always patch-test new actives. © KoreaPlus.