Calcium Hydroxide
A pH adjuster used at low levels. It sets the formula acidity and does not affect skin in the finished product.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Calcium Hydroxide is an inorganic base used in cosmetics as a pH regulator and neutralizing agent, always in very small proportions. Its job is to bring the formula's acidity to the desired value so the product is stable and skin-compatible. This is a purely functional ingredient, not a skincare active. In the finished, properly buffered product it does not act on the skin: it does not moisturize, treat or change tone. Its work ends once the formula reaches the right pH. In topical use, within a finished product at controlled pH, it has no systemic relevance, so it can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In the final product, irritation and allergy potential are low. One technical note: in pure, concentrated form it is alkaline and caustic, but in the finished formula it is neutralized, so most people tolerate it without trouble.
Frequently asked questions
Is Calcium Hydroxide safe during pregnancy?
Calcium Hydroxide is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Calcium Hydroxide for?
Calcium Hydroxide suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Calcium Hydroxide and what does it do in cosmetics?
A pH adjuster used at low levels.
What's the INCI name for Calcium Hydroxide?
The INCI name is Calcium Hydroxide. It may also appear as: Hidróxido de Calcio.
See Calcium Hydroxide in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
Calcium Silicate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Calcium Sulfate, Calcium Sulfate Hydrate, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Olus Oil, Polyvinyl Laurate, Sucrose Distearate
Published: · updated: