Sodium Hydroxide
Sodium Hydroxide is a buffering and denaturant ingredient. It’s in 2,058 products on Poliage, most often body lotion, moisturizer and body wash. Avoid lists on Poliage that include it: none.
Updated October 22, 2026
In plain English
Lye. Used in small amounts to adjust pH, or to turn fats into soap.
What it does
Contains Sodium Hydroxide: buffering
Function listed in CosIng
Contains Sodium Hydroxide: denaturant
Function listed in CosIng
Source: CosIng, the European Commission cosmetic ingredient database, ref 37890, accessed October 22, 2026. Also listed as natrii hydroxidum.
Products that contain Sodium Hydroxide
Thrive Causemetics
Bright Balance Hydrating Gel Cleanser
Cleanser · Lists fragrance allergens, essential oils, coconut derivatives
Tula
Bright Start
Moisturizer · Lists fragrance allergens, exfoliating acid, essential oils
First Aid Beauty
Brighten + Glow Exfoliating Gel Cleanser with AHA and Jojoba Pearls
Cleanser · Lists exfoliating acid, coconut derivatives
First Aid Beauty
Brighten + Glow Facial Radiance Pads with Glycolic + Lactic Acids
Exfoliant · Lists exfoliating acid
The INKEY List
Brighten-i Eye Cream
Eye cream · Lists fragrance allergens, silicones, coconut derivatives
HARRY’S
Brightening Eye Cream
Eye cream · Lists silicones
Revision Skincare
Brightening Facial Wash
Cleanser · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, exfoliating acid, essential oils, salicylic acid, coconut derivatives
Caudalie
Brightening Glycolic Essence
Exfoliant · Lists fragrance allergens, exfoliating acid
Caudalie
Brightening Glycolic Night Cream
Exfoliant · Lists fragrance, exfoliating acid
Caudalie
Brightening Glycolic Peel Mask
Exfoliant · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, exfoliating acid, essential oils, coconut derivatives
CeraVe
Brightening Vitamin C Lotion
Body lotion · Lists silicones, salicylic acid
Fekkai
Brilliant Glossing Styling Crème
Hair styling · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, exfoliating acid, essential oils, silicones, coconut derivatives
The Body Shop
British Rose Shower Gel
Body wash · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, sulfates, chemical UV filters, coconut derivatives
Pai
British Summer Time | Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
Sunscreen · Lists exfoliating acid, essential oils, coconut derivatives
Brompton hand cream
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens
Cien
Bronceador bifásico 30
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, chemical UV filters
Cien
Brume Solaire enfant FPS 50+
Lists drying alcohol, chemical UV filters
Bulldog
Bull Dog Hautpflege Original After Shave Balsam + Aloe Vera
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens
Bulldog
Bulldog Duschgel Zitrone & Bergamotte
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, essential oils, coconut derivatives
burn gel relief
Lists drying alcohol
Drunk Elephant
C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
None of Poliage’s flag groups listed
Drunk Elephant
C-Luma Hydrabright Gentle Hydrating Vitamin C Serum
Serum · Lists exfoliating acid, coconut derivatives
The Ordinary
Caffeine 3% + Escin 1% Face Serum
Serum · Lists exfoliating acid, salicylic acid
AmLactin
Calm & Renew Butter
Body lotion · Lists exfoliating acid, silicones
Related guides
How to read an ingredient list
What the ingredient list on a beauty product tells you, what the names mean, and what it leaves out, using FDA and EU labeling rules.
Does ingredient order show how much is in a product?
Ingredient lists run from most to least, but only down to 1%. Below that, any order is allowed. What the order shows and what it hides.
How do you patch test a new product?
What the AAD, FDA and DermNet say about testing a small area, the FDA hair dye skin test, in-office patch tests, and contact allergy basics.