SODIUM HYDROXIDE

Origin

Sodium Hydroxide, also known as caustic soda or lye, is an inorganic alkaline compound typically derived through the electrolysis of sodium chloride (salt) solution. It is a mineral-based substance, widely used in pH adjustment, neutralization, and saponification processes. Industrial production ensures high purity suitable for cosmetic and personal care applications, where it is used at low concentrations for controlled formulation balance.

Summary

Sodium Hydroxide is a powerful pH regulator and neutralizing agent essential for adjusting the acidity or alkalinity of formulations. In personal care, it serves primarily to balance product pH, activate emulsifiers, and neutralize fatty acids during soap and surfactant production. Despite its strong alkalinity in raw form, when properly diluted and neutralized, it plays a critical and safe role in product stabilization. It is indispensable in skin cleansers, shampoos, creams, and soap manufacturing.

Technical Data

• INCI Name: Sodium Hydroxide
• CAS Number: 1310-73-2
• Chemical Class: Inorganic alkali (base)
• Source: Electrolysis of sodium chloride solution (brine)
• HLB (Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance): N/A (not applicable; inorganic base)
• Molecular Formula: NaOH
• Molecular Weight: 40.00 g/mol
• pH (1% Solution): ~13–14
• Melting Point: 318 °C
• Boiling Point: 1,388 °C
• Solubility: Highly soluble in water and alcohol
• Purity: ≥ 98% (cosmetic-grade)
• Shelf Life: 24 months (store tightly sealed, away from moisture and CO₂)

Usage Level in Cosmetics and Personal Care Products

• pH Adjuster (creams, gels, lotions): 0.01–0.5 %
• Saponification / Soap Making: 4–8 % (depending on formulation)
• Neutralizer in Surfactant Systems: 0.05–0.5 %
• Depilatory / Hair Products: Used at low controlled levels (under professional formulation conditions)

Properties

• Strong alkalinity; adjusts and stabilizes pH levels in formulations
• Facilitates saponification (reaction between fatty acids and bases)
• Provides consistency and performance in soap and surfactant systems
• Enhances emulsion stability when used for pH balance
• Must be handled with care — corrosive in concentrated form
• Fully neutralized in finished cosmetic products
• Free from contaminants and heavy metals
• Non-toxic when used within cosmetic regulatory limits

Appearance

White, odorless solid flakes or pellets; highly hygroscopic and dissolves exothermically in water.

Product Overview

Suncoast Personal Care Products Sodium Hydroxide is a high-purity, mineral-derived pH adjuster used to ensure precise formulation balance and stability in personal care products. It plays a vital functional role in emulsification and saponification, allowing for stable, consistent, and effective cosmetic formulations. When neutralized and used correctly, Suncoast Personal Care Products Sodium Hydroxide is a safe, essential ingredient that supports the performance and integrity of skin and haircare systems.

Environmental Working Group (EWG) Safety Level

EWG Rating: 3 (Moderate Hazard) — Safe in low concentrations for pH adjustment; potential irritation only in concentrated form. Fully safe in neutralized end-use products.