Adjusting pH

Adjusting pH in Your Formulations (Beginner Friendly Guide)

If you’re not familiar with adjusting pH, here’s a simple, safe way to prepare pH adjustment solutions. They can be prepared in advance and used as needed.

To Lower the pH

Create a 50% citric acid solution:

• Mix 50 g of citric acid with 50 g of distilled water.

• Stir until fully dissolved.

• Use this solution in drops (via pipette) to slowly lower your formulation’s pH.

  
  

To Raise the pH

Option 1: 10% Sodium Hydroxide solution

• Mix 10 g of sodium hydroxide with 90 g of distilled water.⚠️ Important Safety Note: Always add sodium hydroxide into water—never the other way around, as this can cause dangerous splashing and heat.

  
  

Option 2: Triethanolamine (TEA)

• If you’re not comfortable working with sodium hydroxide, you can purchase Triethanolamine as a premade solution.

• This is often easier and safer for beginners since it saves you from mixing your own high-pH stock solution.

• Here’s a reliable supplier: Voyageur Soap & Candle – Triethanolamine.

  
  

How to Adjust Your Product’s pH

1. Test the pH of your product using a quality pH meter (like Hanna) or, if you’re just starting out, pH strips (though strips are less accurate). Do not dilute the product, test it as is.

2. Add just a few drops at a time of your pH adjustment solution using a pipette.

3. Stir thoroughly, retest, and repeat if needed.

4. Remember: a little goes a long way—especially when raising the pH.

   
   

   

   pH Meter