POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE (Potassium hydroxide)

"No penalty" in the following categories :

Baby shower gel and cream, Shower gel, Shaving cream, Liquid soap

Shaving soap

"Low penalty" in all other categories.

Origin(s): Synthetic
Other languages: Hidróxido de potasio, Hidróxido de potássio, Hydroxid draselný, Idrossido di potassio, Kalijev hidroksid, Kaliumhydroxid, Kaliumhydroxide, Kálium-hidroxid, Potasse caustique (Hydroxide de potassium), Wodorotlenek potasu, hidroxid de potasiu, potasyum hidroksit, Калијум хидроксид, калиев хидроксид, אשלגן הידרוקסיד, هيدروكسيد البوتاسيوم, 水酸化カリウム, 수산화 칼륨
INCI name: POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE
EINECS/ELINCS number: 215-181-3
Food additive: E525
Classification: Regulated
Organic-compatible (COSMOS Reference)

Namely Potassium hydroxide is used in the processing of many chemicals (detergents, fertilizers, batteries, paints, varnishes ...). In cosmetics, it is mainly used for the manufacture of liquid soaps. Caustic potash is allowed in organic, it does not break any problem in the conditions of regulation.

Restriction in Europe: III/15a, 15d
The maximum amount of potassium hydroxide to be used in cosmetics is limited as follows:
a) Solvent nail cuticles: 5%.

b) Hair straightening products: 2% for general use and 4.5% for professional use.

c) pH regulator for depilatories: pH <12.7.

d) Other uses as pH regulator: pH <11.

Wording of conditions of employment and warnings:
a) Contains an alkaline agent
Avoid contact with the eyes
Danger of blindness
Keep out of reach of children

(b) In general use:
- Contains an alkaline agent
- Avoid contact with the eyes
- Danger of blindness
- Keep out of reach of children
b) In professional use:
- Reserved for professionals
- Avoid contact with the eyes
- Danger of blindness

c) Keep out of reach of children
Avoid contact with the eyes

Its functions (INCI)