pH Levels in Skincare: Why They Matter for Actives Like Vitamin C and Acids
Every person choosing a new face serum checks ingredients and concentrations for their skin type. People think the higher pH level works better or more effectively on their skin. But not in every case. Higher pH level promises radiant and healthy skin, but only if your skin handles it. In this article, we will explore the most active ingredients or pH Levels in Skincare: Why They Matter for Actives Like Vitamin C and Acids
Firstly, keep one thing in mind: the higher number does not matter in skincare: skin type, skincare product, or choosing the right pH levels in skincare make your skin radiant or glowing. Before selecting the right pH levels in vitamin C and acids, it is important to understand how the pH level works in your skin. Stay tuned with us for more info:
Why Ph Levels Matter In Skincare?
When you consider pH levels, it helps you to understand how acidic or alkaline products scale from 0 to 14.
- 0–6 = acidic
- 7 = neutral
- 8–14 = alkaline
Human skin pH is naturally around 4.7 – 5. pH levels easily help you to protect your skin from bacteria or proper care of your skincare routine. If you want to choose a balanced skincare pH for your skin so you need to understand how pH level interacts with your skin and natural balance.
What are the best active ingredients for the pH levels?
Without a perfect pH blend, various skincare does not work on your skin. When pH levels are perfectly maintained in skincare products so it works well with the ingredients and provides you with radiant, stable, or glowing skin.
- Acids need a low pH level and exfoliate effectively.
- At high pH levels, vitamin C becomes unstable
- Niacinamide converts into niacin at a low pH level
- Retinol: Starts from 0.1% to 1% and works slightly in your skin.
That's why the pH level is most important in every skincare product.
What Are the pH Level Requirements for Popular Skincare Active Ingredients?
1. Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)
The ideal pH of this is 2.5–3.5, and vitamin C is the purest product of L-Ascorbic Acid, which means various oxides lose strength, or this is formulated with:
- penetrate deeper
- brighten skin
- boost collagen
- fight pigmentation
That’s why the famous brands like Skya maintain low pH levels in every vitamin C formulation.
2. AHAs (Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid)
The ideal pH of this 3–4 is exfoliating by breaking down dead skin cells, or also needs an acidic pH to do the job.
- Glycolic Acid works best around pH 3.0
- Lactic Acid prefers around 3.5–4.0
The higher pH levels easily reduce the exfoliating power.
3. BHA (Salicylic Acid)
The ideal pH levels of the salicylic acid are pH: 3, and it works best as a low pH for deep pore penetration. When the pH levels are too high, it reduces acne effectively.
4. Niacinamide
Niacinamide works best at a pH of 5–7. This is very stable, but when the nicamide is working with low pH levels, it shows some skin irritation or redness issues. This is why niacinamide shouldn’t be immediately layered over strong acids.
5. Retinol / Retinoids
Retinol is stable or comes with acidic neural pH (~5–6), it does not require low pH levels to work effectively. The retinol comes with a pH of around 5–6, or it does not require a low pH. It easily performs best in the natural range.
How do pH levels affect layering your skincare routine?
Have you ever noticed burning, pilling, or that your routine suddenly stops working? The main hidden reason for this pH disbalancing. You need to know that most skincare products come with various balances, and applying the wrong pH balance makes your skin irritated or experience burning sensations.
If you don’t know which pH levels suit your skin, you need to apply low-pH level products, then neutral pH, or use high pH; this process easily ensures the active ingredients absorb properly and provide effective benefits without dryness and irritating skin.
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Vitamin C serum comes with pH-3. You need to try this because it is formulated with the lowest pH.
- AHA/BHA toner (pH 3–4) easily exfoliates the active ingredients and is not recommended for daily use.
- Niacinamide serum (pH 5–7) easily fits in the middle of your routine.
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Moisturiser helps to lock hydration into your skin and properly balance the skin barrier.
- Sunscreen's natural pH is 5-7, depending on the brand formulations.
How To Choose The Right Ph Based Level Product For Your Skin?.
- Search for brands like Skya that disclose pH levels.
- Choose acid-based skincare products when your skin does not handle high pH.
- Avoid using other products simultaneously when applying acids or vitamin C.
- CeraVe or Cetaphil moisturiser for using low pH acids or vitamins C.
- Use a low pH sunscreen or vitamin C serum for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions About pH Levels in Skincare: Why They Matter for Actives Like Vitamin C and Acids
Q.1 How much pH value is best for sensitive skin?
A: For sensitive skin, you need to ensure the pH is between 5.0 and 6.0, and because high pH levels enhance irritation,
Q.2 Does higher pH in vitamin C serum irritate your skin?
A: The higher pH level makes your vitamin C ingredient ble, and that shows irritation, burning, or reduces the chances of effectiveness.
Q.3 Which is the best value of pH in sunscreen?
A: For sunscreen,5.5–7 is the best pH level to balance your skin.
Q.4 Is high pH harmful to the skin?
A: Yes, the high pH level reduces the strength of your skin and shows some causes like dryness, irritation or breakouts.
