What is pH?

In high-school chemistry class, you most likely learned about pH and dipped little, color-changing strips into liquids to see where they fell on a scale of 1 to 14.

pH, which stands for "potential of hydrogen," is the measurement of how concentrated hydrogen ions are in a solution. In simpler terms, it measures how “acidic” or “basic” a substance is in comparison to distilled water which has a “neutral” pH of 7.0. Anything below a pH of 7.0 is considered an acid, and anything above a pH of 7.0 is considered an alkaline. Generally speaking, acids taste sour and bases taste bitter.

Why is it Important in Skincare?

Our skin’s pH is normally acidic, ranging in pH values of 4.0-6.0, with a median of 5.5. This is commonly known as the acid mantle. The acid mantle is a very fine, slightly acidic film on the surface of human skin, which acts as a barrier against bacteria, viruses and other potential contaminants that might penetrate the skin.

pH level plays a very important role in skincare. When your skin is at its most optimum, it looks bright and your make-up applies effortlessly. Too acidic or too alkaline, your skin can be prone to blemishes, feel dry and uncomfortable, sensitive or sore. Also, If your skin is too alkaline, it may be more prone to sun damage and premature aging.

The number one way to tell if your acid mantle is being stripped by your cleanser is to wash your face and see if it feels tight or dry after use. This is a clear indicator that your acid mantle has been affected. That squeaky clean feel is not what you should be searching for. You should seek cleansers that leave your skin feeling clean but also hydrated.

Are ECOKISS Products pH Balanced?

All ECOKISS skincare, haircare and body care products are pH balanced, except for the Coconut Chocolate Body Butter, which is oil-based.