What is potassium hydroxide? Is this substance toxic?

Potassium hydroxide is an inorganic compound also known by many different names such as potassium hydroxide, potasse caustique...with the chemical formula KOH. The compound can be made in its pure form by reacting the compound Sodium Hydroxide with impure Potassium.
This is a strong alkaline substance, it exists in the form of white crystalline crystals, has a characteristic odor, is hygroscopic, completely soluble in water, when dissolved in water, it gives off a lot of heat.
This is an industrial chemical with high corrosive properties, but it is widely used in daily life such as in the production of potassium-containing fertilizers, the main raw material in the production of biodiesel, and making fabric and woolen dyes; animal skin treatment; ... especially used in the cosmetic industry with the main use of increasing carbomer and neutralizing pH.

Potassium Hydroxide is a product widely used in cosmetics and detergents such as soaps, shower gels, perfumes, washing powders, dyes, cosmetics, nail care preparations. , personal care products shampoo, skin care products and sunscreen ... it can be considered as one of the indispensable ingredients in most cosmetics today, because there are up to Over 90% of cosmetics contain this ingredient.
So what is potassium hydroxide in cosmetics? This substance is used for its primary function in cosmetics and other personal care products to create and balance the pH of the formula.
pH stands for 'potential hydrogen' This is an indicator used to gauge the acidity and alkalinity of a given solution. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, when a pH of 7 is neutral, less than 7 is acidic and greater than 7 is alkaline
The normal pH of the skin is acidic, ranging from 4 to 6. The acidity of normal skin makes a The acid mantle on the surface, which is maintained by the sebaceous glands, sweat glands and natural bacteria on the skin, this acid layer will effectively protect the skin from harmful environmental factors such as pathogenic bacteria, environmental pollutants
Because, cosmetic products used need to ensure that they do not change the natural pH of the skin, to avoid affecting the skin. Too low pH will cause irritation and stinging sensation to the skin.If the product is highly alkaline, it will easily remove the lipid layer on the skin.
Because of this, Potassium Hydroxide is a compound added to the formula. formula of cosmetics to create beauty To maintain the pH of the product. However, if the product is used with a high concentration of Potassium Hydroxide, it can adversely affect the skin due to its high alkalinity. Research shows that if you use alkaline cleaning products, even just one use can cause long-term damage to the skin. Alkaline detergents will change the natural bacteria on the skin and disrupt the activity of enzymes in the upper layers of the skin, thereby adversely affecting the skin.
In short, in the cosmetic industry, people add Potassium Hydroxide to cosmetics to maintain a pH equivalent to normal skin, avoiding skin damage.

Some of the effects of KOH on the body include:
Potassium Hydroxide is very corrosive and it will corrode the skin on direct contact, it is not toxic if inhaled but can cause you to get sick. mild irritation, runny nose, sneezing ... If in the right concentration in cosmetic products it is not harmful to the skin, but if too much can cause skin damage. In the unfortunate event that Potassium Hydroxide comes into direct contact with the eyes, it may cause mucosal damage, redness or skin damage, causing skin corrosion, then it should be flushed with water for at least 15 minutes and then need to go to the hospital. . If drinking Potassium Hydroxide, immediately drink as much water as possible or drink milk instead and take the patient to the hospital for treatment. Because it can be harmful to the body if not careful when used, so if you have to come into direct contact with this substance, you need to wear protective clothing, wear rubber gloves to avoid this substance from corroding into the skin. . Avoid inhaling, smelling, pay attention to drops in the eyes and need to wear glasses when contacting, clearly labeled to avoid confusion with other substances and absolutely keep this substance out of reach of children.
Hopefully through the article you have learned what Potassium Hydroxide is and how it is applied in the production of cosmetics to use effectively.
Follow Vinmec International General Hospital website to get more health, nutrition and beauty information to protect the health of yourself and your loved ones in your family.