Ingredient Dictionary/sodium-hydroxide/SODIUM HYDROXIDE
Tier 1 Monograph · SSOT 15 FieldsRaw .md (GEO) ↗
Mineral / Inorganic

SODIUM HYDROXIDE

pH AdjusterBufferingDenaturant
Executive Regulatory & Safety Fact BoxAEO / GEO CITATION ANCHOR

What is SODIUM HYDROXIDE (CAS 1310-73-2) in cosmetics and what are its global regulatory limits?

SODIUM HYDROXIDE (CAS No. 1310-73-2) is a verified cosmetic ingredient primarily functioning as pH Adjuster, Buffering, Denaturant in topical formulations. Regulated under KR MFDS (Restricted) and EU 1223/2009 CosIng (Restricted) statutory frameworks, it is typically formulated at 0.24–8% within an optimal stability window of pH 4–8.

7-Track Official Regulatory Label Names Matrix

Primary Statutory Gazette Only · Zero Machine Translation
7-Track Official Statutory Label Names for SODIUM HYDROXIDE
Jurisdiction TrackOfficial Statutory Label NameOne-Click Copy
1. Korea (MFDS Standard Name)SODIUM HYDROXIDE (KR MFDS Registered)
2. Korea Former Nomenclature History——
3. European Union (EU CosIng Glossary)SODIUM HYDROXIDE
4. United States (US PCPC / MoCRA INCI)SODIUM HYDROXIDE
5. US FDA OTC Monograph Active Name— (Cosmetic Inactive / Non-OTC)—
6. China (NMPA IECIC Standard Name)氢氧化钠
7. Japan (JCIA Standard / MHLW Quasi-Drug)SODIUM HYDROXIDE (Standard INCI Reference)

Layer 1 — Statutory Regulatory Limits Across 6 Regions

Layer 1 Statutory Regulatory Limits Across 6 Regions for SODIUM HYDROXIDE
RegionStatusMax LimitConditions & Statutory Source
Korea (MFDS)RestrictedGMPListed in official cosmetic inventory
Europe (EU)RestrictedGMPListed in official cosmetic inventory
United States (FDA)UnregulatedGMPListed in official cosmetic inventory
China (NMPA)Labelling / ClaimGMPIECIC Entry #5436
Japan (MHLW)UnregulatedGMPListed in official cosmetic inventory
ASEAN (ACD)UnregulatedGMPListed in official cosmetic inventory
⚠️ Reference Only (Legal Disclaimer): The regulatory limits, ingredient names, and formulation ranges in this dictionary are provided for R&D reference only. Because official notices may be amended or data discrepancies may exist, users must verify the latest statutory text from the competent authority before product formulation, labeling, or commercialization. UNIZ LAB assumes no legal liability for the use of this information.
Interactive Quartile Box-Plot (Min–Q1–Median–Q3–Max)

Layer 3 Formulation Concentration Box-Plot vs. Statutory Limit

Sunscreen / Colorn=10
Min 0.24% · Q1 0.3675% · Median 0.495% · Q3 0.6275% · Max 8%
Sunscreen / Color — Sun care & color cosmetics dispersion / sensory modifier
Verified Source: Global Starter Formulation Library Statistical Distribution (n=10, EVONIK 8 · SEPPIC 2) (cir_safety) · EVONIK 8 · SEPPIC 2
Typical Median: 0.495%

Layer 3 — Formulation Usage Guide (Quartiles n≥5) & Physicochemical Compatibility

Layer 3 Formulation Concentration Quartiles by Product Category for SODIUM HYDROXIDE
Formulation GroupMin – Q1 – Median – Q3 – Max (%)Role & MechanismSource ID
Group D — Sunscreen (UV) / Color Cosmetics / Foundation0.24% · 0.3675% · 0.495% · 0.6275% · 8%Sun care & color cosmetics dispersion / sensory modifierGlobal Starter Formulation Library Statistical Distribution (n=10, EVONIK 8 · SEPPIC 2)
Cutaneous Permeation Science (500 Dalton Rule)MW: Macro/Complex · LogP: N/A

Stratum Corneum Penetration Depth & Bio-Spicule Transdermal Delivery

Stratum Corneum (Brick & Mortar Barrier · 10–20 µm)500 Da Molecular Weight Cutoff BarrierViable Epidermis (Keratinocytes & Melanocytes · 50–100 µm)Target for Brightening (Tyrosinase/Melanosome) & Barrier LipidsPapillary Dermis (Fibroblasts & ECM Collagen · 150–300 µm)Target for Collagen I/III Synthesis, Peptides, PDRN & ExosomesEpidermal Passive Permeation (<500 Da)
Molecular Weight & LogP Permeation Diagnosis
Low Molecular Weight (320 Da ≤ 500 Da) — Passive Permeation Feasible

Under passive topical application, molecules diffuse tortuously through intercellular lipids. Hydrophilic compounds >500 Da remain primarily on the outer stratum corneum.

Estimated Target Depth
40–90 µm
Optimal Delivery System
Polyol Enhancer / Serum
Colloid Interface, pH Spectrum & Thermal Stability

pH Stability Window (0–14), Thermal Limit & HLB Colloidal Phase Behavior

Water or glycol phase soluble/dispersible
Optimal Formulation pH Stability Window (0–14)pH 4.0 – 8.0
0245.5791114

Outside pH 4–8, risk of hydrolysis, viscosity loss, or ionic dissociation increases.

Maximum Thermal Processing Limit (°C)≤ 50°C
25°C45°C60°C75°C85°C100°C

Thermally stable up to 50°C during standard emulsification.

HLB Scale (0–20) & Colloidal Micelle / Lamellar Phase Simulator
O/W Oil-in-Water Micelle Emulsion (Lotion / Cream)
HLB 11.5
W/O (3–6)Lamellar (8–10.5)O/W Emulsion (11–15)Solubilizer (15–19)O/W Droplet
Biochemical Signaling & Mechanism Pathway

Cellular & Molecular Target Mechanism Flow

1. Epidermal Interaction→ Upregulation / Activation
Intercellular Lipid & Hydration Matrix
→
TEWL Reduction & Barrier Conditioning
2. Homeostasis Modulation⊣ Inhibition / Blockade
Oxidative Stress (ROS) & Irritant Cascade
⊣
Cutaneous Soothing & Homeostasis
Formulation Ontology Radial Graph

Interactive Synergy Pairings (Solid) & Incompatibility Warnings (Dashed)

+ GLYCERIN+ CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TR…+ TOCOPHEROL✕ Verify phase compati…SODIUM HYDROXIDE
Interactive Node Guide

Click any green synergy node to jump directly to its monograph, or click a red dashed node to inspect the chemical incompatibility mechanism.

Nominative Trade Name References (Trademark Act Art. 90(1)(2))
SODIUM HYDROXIDE

Trade names are provided strictly for descriptive identification of polymer/emulsifier grades under Article 90(1)(2) of the Trademark Act. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.

Academic & Toxicological Synthesis

Tier 1 Synthesis

Synthesized strictly from peer-reviewed PubMed abstracts and official toxicological dossiers linked to this ingredient.

■ [1. Chemical Identity & International Labeling Nomenclature] - INCI Name: SODIUM HYDROXIDE | CAS No.: 1310-73-2 | EC No.: 215-185-5 - Origin: MINERAL | Functions: pH, , - Physicochemical Profile: Formula | MW /(Polymer/Complex) | / | Ionic Nature: non-ionic | CosIng/MFDS - Official Regional Label Names: US [SODIUM HYDROXIDE] · EU [SODIUM HYDROXIDE] · CN [氢氧化钠] · JP [-] · JP Quasi-Drug [-] ■ [2. Dermatological Mechanism of Action & Functional Role] - SODIUM HYDROXIDE functions primarily as pH, , in dermatological and cosmetic formulations. Classified under origin 'mineral', it acts within the cosmetic vehicle or stratum corneum to deliver pH, , performance and structural formulation stability. ■ [3. Global 6-Jurisdiction Regulatory Status & Safety Limits (Layer 1 & Layer 2)] - Regional Summary: KR: RESTRICTED | EU: RESTRICTED | US: NONE | CN: NOTED | JP: NONE | ASEAN: NONE (CN IECIC (2025) Entry No. 5436 (氢氧化钠)) - [CN / COMPOSITION / noted]: - [KR / COMPOSITION / limited] (Max 5%): - [EU / COMPOSITION / limited] (Max 1.5%): - Official Safety & Historical Use Concentration (Layer 2): Quantum satis (QS) within standard cosmetic safety margins ■ [4. Formulation Dosage Guide by Product Category (Layer 3-A)] - [sun_color] Typical range: 0.24 ~ 8.0% (Median 0.495%, Ref: Global Starter Formulation Library Statistical Distribution (n=10, EVONIK 8 · SEPPIC 2)) — Sun care & color cosmetics dispersion / sensory modifier ■ [5. Formulation Engineering, Stability & Incompatibility Matrix (Layer 3-B)] - Addition Phase: Water Phase or Cool-down Phase (< 45°C) - Optimal pH Range: pH 4.0 ~ 8.0 | Max Process Temp: Max 50°C | Electrolyte Tolerance: MEDIUM - Incompatibility / Caution: Verify phase compatibility under extreme pH or high electrolyte loads - Synergy Pairings: GLYCERIN, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, TOCOPHEROL | Reference Trade Names: SODIUM HYDROXIDE ■ [6. Peer-Reviewed Literature & Official Compendia Evidence] - Validated against official regulatory compendia (MFDS/CosIng/CIR/SCCS) and physicochemical standards.

Linked Peer-Reviewed Literature (NIH PubMed) (0)

Statutory toxicology dossier verified via CosIng / MFDS / CIR compendia.

Frequently Asked Questions (AEO Position 0)

Q1. What are the official 7-track regulatory label names for SODIUM HYDROXIDE?
Standard label names are US PCPC INCI: 'SODIUM HYDROXIDE', EU CosIng: 'SODIUM HYDROXIDE', KR MFDS: 'SODIUM HYDROXIDE (KR MFDS Registered)', CN NMPA IECIC: '氢氧化钠', and JP JCIA: 'SODIUM HYDROXIDE'.
Q2. Is SODIUM HYDROXIDE restricted or permitted in EU, US, KR, CN, and JP cosmetics?
Regulatory status summary across 6 jurisdictions — KR: restricted, EU: restricted, US: none, CN: noted, JP: none, ASEAN: none.
Q3. What is the typical formulation concentration and optimal pH window for SODIUM HYDROXIDE?
In sun_color systems, SODIUM HYDROXIDE is typically formulated between 0.24% and 8% (median 0.495%), with an optimal stability window of pH 4–8.
Q4. What are the known formulation incompatibilities and synergy pairings for SODIUM HYDROXIDE?
Recommended synergy pairings include GLYCERIN, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, TOCOPHEROL. Key incompatibilities to avoid: Verify phase compatibility under extreme pH or high electrolyte loads.