The pH of makeup products can affect everything from skin hydration to irritation and overall balance. In her post, Shilan dives into the science behind pH in makeup, why it matters for your skin, and how to choose products that help maintain a healthy complexion. Read on to learn more.
Did you know that pH makeup was a thing?
Recently, a lot of big brands are coming out with pH makeup products, such as lip balms, cream blushes, lip glosses etc. This doesn’t just happen miraculously- there are lots of scientific experiments and trials that go into perfecting this new type of product.
You might be asking yourself ‘well how does this magic work?’
Much like everything else in makeup, it all comes down to dyes! These dyes are weak acids that start off as a colourless base. Our skin has a higher pH than that of the dye, so when we apply the pH-based makeup to our skin, the different pH levels react to create a coloured pigment.
This mind-blowing reaction results in a shade unique to you. It all depends on your skin tone, undertone, where and how you apply it – the colour that forms will be different for everyone.
For example, a cream pH blush will turn a different shade of pink for depending on the person.
The importance of pH in makeup
When your makeup’s pH is not in sync with your skin’s natural pH, it can lead to irritation, dryness, breakouts, and uneven application. This is why understanding pH in beauty products is important – it can actually help improve your skin’s health and the performance of your makeup.
Choosing products that align with your skin’s needs:
- Makeup that is too acidic or too alkaline can strip away the skin’s natural oils, leaving it vulnerable to damage. This can cause irritation, dryness, or excess oil production. pH-balanced makeup is formulated to complement your skin’s natural pH, leaving it protected and balanced.
- For sensitive skin, using products with the wrong pH can trigger reactions like redness, burning, or itching. pH-balanced makeup helps prevent this, keeping your skin happy and calm throughout the day.
- Amazingly, pH makeup is more likely to last longer throughout the day! Foundations, blushes, and powders with a balanced pH prevent formulas from breaking down quickly, fading, or becoming patchy. This means your makeup stays fresh for hours – even without touch-ups.
How to Find the Right pH-Friendly Makeup:
Finding the right pH-friendly makeup can be simple once you know what to look for:
- Check the Ingredients – Some brands advertise pH-balanced products, but you can also check the ingredient list for things like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, which promote hydration and balance.
- Know Your Skin Type – If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, opt for makeup products with a slightly more acidic pH to help maintain the skin’s natural barrier. For oily skin, look for products with a pH that helps control sebum production.
- Test the Products – If you’re unsure how a product will work with your skin, do a patch test before applying it all over your face. This is especially important if you’re introducing new brands or formulations into your routine.
- Look for Dermatologist-Tested Labels – Many brands now provide pH information on their packaging, especially if they have dermatologically tested formulas designed to be gentle on the skin.
The Science Behind pH Makeup
pH makeup is not only great for your skin, but it can be used as an alternative to regular makeup. Plus, it has some great science behind it!
Who would have thought that a chemical reaction is happening right on your skin – and you might not have even realised it!
It’s no surprise that everyone is obsessed with this chemical magic!
Shilan is a Year 11 student who is undertaking a Bronze Youth STEMM Award. She is interested in how the human body protects us.
