Phosphate Buffered Saline
A saline buffer carrier. It holds pH and stabilizes actives 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
Phosphate Buffered Saline (INCI Phosphate Buffered Saline) is a salt solution with a phosphate buffer, a physiological medium close in composition to body fluids. In cosmetics it serves as a carrier and pH stabiliser: it holds the right acidity and protects sensitive actives such as peptides and extracts. On efficacy, this is a functional carrier and pH adjuster, not a skincare active. On its own it has no effect on the skin in a finished product; its job is to ensure the stability of the other components of a formula. On an ingredient list next to biotech actives it looks appropriate. During pregnancy and breastfeeding it can be used. Applied topically the buffer is systemically negligible, with no restrictions. Tolerance is good. The irritation potential is low, the allergy risk is low, and the ingredient suits sensitive skin. The balanced saline environment is gentle by nature, so reactions to it are rare even on reactive skin.
Frequently asked questions
Is Phosphate Buffered Saline safe during pregnancy?
Phosphate Buffered Saline is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Phosphate Buffered Saline for?
Phosphate Buffered Saline suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Phosphate Buffered Saline and what does it do in cosmetics?
A saline buffer carrier.
What's the INCI name for Phosphate Buffered Saline?
The INCI name is Phosphate Buffered Saline. It may also appear as: PBS.
See Phosphate Buffered Saline 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
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