Southwest Society of Cosmetic Chemists

Are you excited about the gala next month?! Visit www.swsccgala.com for more information.

What a great event!

Register now for our annual Trunk or Treat event! www.swscc.org/events

We hope everyone enjoyed the SWSCC Suppliers’ Day!

We can’t wait to see everyone tomorrow!

Don’t forget to register for Suppliers’ Day! With over 150 booths and 30-minute breakout sessions, this event promises to be an enriching experience for all attendees.

Do you know what Transepidermal Water Loss is? Swipe to learn more!

Are you ready for this year’s party?! Visit www.swsccgala.com to learn more!

Just a reminder for our upcominy webinar, this Thursday at 12pm CT! A great opportunity to learn about different career options in the industry!

🔬 Cosmetic Chemistry Basics: pH Balance in Formulations 🌿 In the world of skincare formulation, achieving the right pH balance is a critical aspect of product development. Let's look into the science behind pH in formulations and why it's vital for product efficacy and skin health. What is pH in Formulations? pH stands for "potential of hydrogen" and indicates the acidity or alkalinity of a solution on a scale from 0 to 14. In skincare formulations, pH plays a key role in ensuring product stability, efficacy, and compatibility with the skin. Why is pH Important in Formulations? •Stability and Shelf Life: The pH of a formulation can affect the stability of its ingredients. For example, active ingredients like Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) are stable and effective at lower pH levels, typically below 3.5. Incorrect pH levels can lead to the degradation of these ingredients, reducing the product's shelf life and effectiveness. •Skin Compatibility: The skin's natural pH is slightly acidic, around 4.5 to 5.5. Formulating products within this pH range helps maintain the skin's barrier function and prevent irritation. Products with a pH that deviates significantly from this range can disrupt the skin's acid mantle, leading to sensitivity, dryness, or breakouts. •Efficacy of Actives: Certain active ingredients require specific pH levels to penetrate the skin effectively. For instance, AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) need a low pH to exfoliate the skin efficiently. Therefore, the formulation's pH must be carefully adjusted to ensure these actives perform as intended. Formulation Considerations: >Buffer Systems: To maintain a consistent pH, formulators often use buffer systems. These systems resist changes in pH when acids or bases are added, ensuring the product remains within the desired pH range throughout its use. >pH Testing: Rigorous pH testing is a crucial part of the formulation process. Using pH meters or pH indicator strips, formulators check the product's pH at various stages to ensure it meets the required specifications. >Preservatives: The effectiveness of preservatives can depend on the pH of the formulation. For instance, some preservatives are only active within a certain pH range. Choosing the right preservative system is essential for preventing microbial growth and maintaining product safety. The pH balance in skincare formulations is a delicate and essential component that influences product performance and skin health. By understanding and controlling the pH, formulators can create effective, safe, and stable products that meet the needs of diverse skin types. 🔬 Megina Llaka CPHT, Msc Chemist & Cosmetic Formulator Bringing science and beauty together, one formulation at a time.