Acid Types

Acids are those substances which possess a pH less than 7 and can thus act to neutralize alkali by formation of the corresponding salt. In soaps and toiletries, acids are commonly used to adjust the pH of final products (for example, to bring lotions back to "skin pH" or shampoos into "balance").

In practical terms for soapers acids are rarely used, as adjusting the pH of a soap with too much alkali in it is impractical under most conditions.

For toiletries manufacturers, however, a couple of acids are of particular significance.

Citric Acid - 

 A white powder, prill or crystal which is normally supplied 98 - 99% pure and may be either anhydrous (not containing water) or monohydrated (containing one molecule of water per molecule of citric acid). The anhydrous form is generally more powder like, while the monohydrate is more crystalline. Probably the most widely used acid in toiletries as it is freely available and relatively cheap. It is often used in the production of :

• Bath Bombs           As an acid source to react with sodium bicarbonate to produce "fizz"
• Hair Conditioners  To smooth the hair follicle
• Lotions                   To adjust the final product back to skin pH
• Shampoos             To balance the shampoo to neutral pH
• Detergents            Bathroom and toilet cleaners

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Toiletries manufacturers may also use a number of other acids, particularly when formulating speciallised lotions. Typically, these would include :

Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs and their derivaives).

These acids are used in speciallised skin peeling compounds ("chemical peels"). Due to the severe nature of this type of application we will generally not supply this type of product for craft use.