How to make a buffer solution for your handmade cosmetics product?

Sometimes, we make products that are too acidic or too alkaline and that can hurt our consumer's skin! This is where we need the buffer solution!

Generally, cosmetics products should have a pH of 5.0 to 5.5 unless the actives in the products require otherwise.

You are going to need 2 types of buffer solution:

  • an Acid Buffer - this will reduce the product pH to acidic
  • an Alkaline Buffer - this will increase the product pH to alkaline

In case you have forgotten,

  • an acid pH reading range from 0 to 6
  • a neutral pH reading is 7
  • an alkaline pH reading range from 7 to 14

How to make an Acid Buffer Solution?

Acid Buffer Solution will make your product pH reading lower! 🡳

Lactic Acid

Sometimes, I do not make Acid Buffer Solution.

I simply purchase a ready-made 80% Lactic Acid solution!

It already comes with a dropper so it is so convenient to drop 1 by 1 into my final product.

There are other concentrations such as 25% and 50% Lactic Acid. You can also use that.

Take note: You may just need more drops compared to the 80% one!


Citric Acid

However, if you do not like Lactic Acid because it is more expensive, you can also use Citric Acid.

To make a 10% Citric Acid Buffer solution:

10% Citric Acid powder
90% Water

Mix both ingredients well. 
Ensure there are no lumps and transfer into a dropper bottle. 
Drop into your final product and test the pH.
Dispose this solution after 24 hours.

You can also choose to make:

  • 25% Citric Acid with 75% Water or
  • 50% Citric Acid with 50% Water

How to make an Alkaline Buffer Solution?

Alkaline Buffer Solution will make your product pH reading higher! 🡱

Sodium Hydroxide 

To make a 10% Alkaline Buffer Solution:

10% Sodium Hydroxide powder
90% Water

Mix both ingredients well. 
Ensure there are no lumps and transfer into a dropper bottle. 
Drop into your final product and test the pH.
Dispose this solution after 24 hours.

You can also choose to make:

  • 25% Sodium Hydroxide with 75% Water or
  • 50% Sodium Hydroxide with 50% Water

You can also use:

  • Triethanolamine - no need to make solution. Drop into your product directly.
  • L-Arginine powder (I have never tried this before and yes you need to make it into a solution first!)


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