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Tromethamine: what it is in skincare

Quick answer: A buffering agent that helps neutralize and stabilize the pH of a gel or lotion.

A buffering agent that helps neutralize and stabilize the pH of a gel or lotion.

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 Tromethamine. Ingredients are listed high-to-low by amount, so its position hints at how much is in the formula. See all ph adjusters →

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✍️ 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.