Sodium hydroxide is a strong alkaline ingredient that shows up in skincare mostly as a pH buffer. It neutralizes acids in formulas to bring them to a safer, more skin-friendly pH level. Without it, many products would be too acidic to use comfortably.
You'll also see it listed as a denaturant, which means it can alter the structure of other ingredients. In some cases this is intentional, like when a formula needs to change how another ingredient behaves.
It's not an active treatment ingredient. It's there to make the product work as intended and feel right on your skin. The amount matters a lot, but if a product is properly formulated, sodium hydroxide does its job quietly in the background.
Products with Sodium Hydroxide
14 active products. Cards link to a dupe page where one exists.
Paula's Choice
SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Toner · 118 ml · $37.00
Prices checked today
CeraVe
Eye Repair Cream
Eye cream · 14.8 ml
Paula's Choice
10% Niacinamide Booster
Serum · 19.8 ml · $53.00
Prices checked today
CeraVe
Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum
Serum · 29.6 ml
Paula's Choice
CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment
Serum · 29.6 ml · $48.75
Prices checked today
Geek & Gorgeous
C-Glow
Serum · 30 ml
Neutrogena
Neutrogena® Hydro Boost Hydrating Serum, 1 Fl. Oz
Serum · 29.6 ml
Aveeno
Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Face Moisturizer, For Sensitive Skin, 1.7 Oz
Moisturizer · 48.2 g
Neutrogena
Neutrogena® Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel with Signature Fragrance 1.7 Oz
Moisturizer · 48.2 g
Neutrogena
Neutrogena® Hydro Boost Face Wash, Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Cleansing Gel, 16 Fl. Oz
Cleanser · 473.2 ml
Neutrogena
Neutrogena® Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream, 0.5 Fl. Oz
Eye cream · 14.8 ml
Vanicream
Vanicream™ Gentle Facial Cleanser
Cleanser · 226.8 g
Maelove
Glow Maker Vitamin C Serum
Serum · 29.6 ml · $32.95
Prices checked today
First Aid Beauty
Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration
Moisturizer · 170.1 g · $42.00
Prices checked today
This is general information about ingredients and prices, not medical advice. Patch test new products and talk to a dermatologist about skin conditions.