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Moumoujus

CALCIUM HYDROXIDE.

Valuable CAS 1305-62-0 / BUFFERING

An inorganic mineral compound primarily utilized as a high-precision pH regulator and buffering agent. It is recognized for its ability to stabilize complex emulsions and its historical use in traditional liniments to create protective skin barriers.

Summary

pH Adjuster Buffering Agent Antimicrobial Emulsion Stabilizer

Science

Mechanism of Action

It functions by dissociating into calcium (Ca2+) and hydroxyl (OH-) ions, providing a strong alkaline base that neutralizes acidic irritants. In oil-rich formulations, it reacts with free fatty acids to produce calcium soaps, creating a durable, protective emulsion that physically shields the skin and inhibits bacterial enzyme activity via pH modulation.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 0.17–13.2%
Optimal

0.5%

Key findings

  1. 01 A 0.17% saturated solution in a 1:1 olive oil mixture demonstrated superior vascularization and epithelialization in second-degree burn recovery compared to standard silver sulfadiazine treatments.
  2. 02 Clinical trials in pediatric care confirm its efficacy as a protective barrier (standard oleo-calcareous liniment) for preventing skin damage from acidic environmental triggers.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

Calcium hydroxide is a functional chemical used for pH adjustment rather than a biological active; its concentration is strictly determined by the required final pH of the formula rather than marketing claims.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 11 – 12.7
0 7 14

Stability

Highly sensitive to atmospheric carbon dioxide, which causes degradation into insoluble calcium carbonate. It exhibits unusual 'retrograde solubility,' becoming less soluble as temperature increases.

Synergies

  • Vegetable oils (specifically olive oil for saponification)
  • Zinc oxide (in calamine preparations)

Conflicts

  • Strong acids
  • Ammonium salts
  • Aluminum
  • Atmospheric CO2

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
13.2%
Sensitization risk Moderate

Safety is concentration-dependent. While safe as a pH adjuster, raw exposure or high-pH leave-on products (pH > 11) carry high irritancy risks. EU regulations restrict use to 7% in hair products and require specific pH limits for depilatories.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
No Dry
Yes Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy High
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

An essential technical ingredient for ensuring formula stability and safety through precise pH control, though it requires expert formulation to avoid its high irritancy potential.

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