PH + Skin

Perfect skin is hard to come by from your time as a teenager and all the way through adulthood. You’d think acne problems would go away after puberty, but no. Those stubborn zits and pimples are stubborn little suckers. 

While the proper cleanser and moisturizer are important, you may be overlooking an essential trait of skincare products: the pH level. Now that’s something to take you back to school (unless you’re a sciencey person, in which case, good for you). 

It doesn’t matter if the product targeting the acne on your chin uses phrases like “natural and organic” or even “tea tree oil.” If the pH doesn’t match up with your skin, bad reactions are bound to happen. Don’t worry if you didn’t know about pH’s effects on the skin. Most people don’t, and that’s where this article comes in.

pH’s Connection to Skin

Taking us back to high school, let’s talk about pH, baby. The pH scale goes from 1 to 14. 1 to 6 are acidic, and 8-14 are basic (or alkaline) while the magic number 7 is neutral. Items like lemon juice and black coffee are acidic, and items like seawater and bleach are basic. 

Our skin sits between a range of 4.7-5.75, so it’s mildly acidic. As we age, our skin loses acid, which affects the elasticity, which makes us more prone to wrinkles. Unaware of this fact, most people use products that aren’t in their natural skin range. Not their fault; the pH number isn’t generally on the label.

That’s why Korean skincare products are so popular and well-applauded. Their products are chemically tested and ensured to be at the perfect pH level.

How to Notice pH in skincare

So what’s the perfect pH level? While it depends on each person, the typical level you’re looking for is a 5.5 pH level. You don’t want a product with a high ph level (8-14). It may make your skin smooth at first, but will be harmful in the long run.

However, you don’t want too low of a ph level because that will also irritate your skin. Anything below a 3.5 pH level is not recommended and the FDA agrees. All cosmetic products must be regulated to be at 3.5 or above. 

Instead, it is best to find the pH for your intention. If you’re looking to test your skin directly, you should consult a health practitioner or dermatologist. The best way is to notice your skin and how it behaves. You can also use pH Ion Balance strips to test your saliva or skincare products.

Depending on what you want to do, the pH will differ with skincare products. Cleansers are at a 5-5 - 6.5 because they aim to remove dead skin cells, dirt, oils, and the day’s hard work, while toners slightly increase skin cell turnover and sit at a 4.5 - 5.5. Moisturizers work at, well, moisturizing your face and replenishing the skin, so they sit at a range close to your skin’s pH level. 

Be careful when it comes to charcoal and traditional foaming products. Charcoal tends to be on the higher side of the pH scale, and foaming products can be super stripping. Don’t let the bubbles sway you!

Here’s a tip: If you use a product and your skin is left feeling squeaky, stop using it! Squeaky = too high of a pH level, and that’s not something you want. If your skin is stripped of the natural oils, the skin’s natural mantle is messed up. 

Genie Supply & pH

At Genie Supply, we only formulate products in your natural skin pH level. Sometimes we go lower, but never under 3.5! We’re a cruelty-free and offer many vegan products. Our green and clean catalog is here!

Here are a few products that may interest you. 

1. Oil-Free Facial Moisturizer

   • Benefits: Gentle, Oil-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Moisturizing

   • Skin Type: Sensitive, Acne-Prone, Mature Skin, All Skin Types, Facial

   • pH: 6

2. Micellar Water

   • Benefits: Make-up Removing, Cleansing

   • Skin Type: All Skin Types, Facial

   • pH: 4.5-5.5

3. Water Cream

   • Benefits: Hydrating, Protecting, Soothing, Anti-Inflammatory

   • Skin Type: All Skin Types, Facial

   • pH: 5.5-6

Convinced that pH is the secret to successful skin?

Read more about skincare at Genie Supply in our Hemp Cream blog!