Potassium Hydroxide

adultsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for adults to use Potassium Hydroxide?

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USE WITH CAUTION
Danger Score: 5 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Potassium Hydroxide use with caution for adults when used in topical products. Adults generally have higher tolerance.

ℹ️General Overview

For adults: this ingredient can be irritating or even cause burns if concentrated. In most skin products it’s used in tiny amounts to balance acidity and is considered a moderate risk when properly formulated.

What to Do

Use finished skincare or hair products from trusted brands that list this ingredient. Do not use raw or concentrated solutions on skin. If you want to check first, do a small patch test on the inside of your forearm and wait 24 hours. If you feel strong burning, redness, or stinging, stop using it and rinse with water. If you handle concentrated forms (for example, in a workplace or DIY cleaning/soap making), wear gloves, eye protection, and follow safety instructions.

⚠️Warnings

Do not apply to broken, irritated, or sensitive skin. Avoid contact with eyes — if it gets in the eyes, rinse thoroughly and seek medical help. Regulatory and safety panels note use restrictions and concentration limits (EU cosmetics rules and industry safety reviews) and occupational guidance flags handling risks (EU GHS / workplace rules). Limited evidence shows it can cause skin or eye irritation (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Keep all concentrated forms away from children and pets.

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Banned: This ingredient is restricted for use in cosmetics under the EU Cosmetics Directive and industry safety reviewers (CIR) say it may only be used with limits or special formulation controls. Regulatory listings and product-verification rules mean some products are not allowed to contain it without strong safety proof.
Organ Risk: European hazard labeling (EU GHS) and Environment Canada classify this chemical as toxic or harmful to organs and list it as a medium human-health priority. That means it can damage non-reproductive organs with unsafe exposures.
Long-Term Risk: Environment Canada’s assessment and EU hazard classifications indicate concerns that repeated or long-term exposures could lead to lasting health effects. Workplace rules also limit allowable exposure, showing regulators see risk over time.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Potassium Hydroxide

This ingredient may also be listed as:

potassium hydroxidePOTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, TECHNICAL, >=85%, LUMPSD01168POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, 45% W/V AQUEOUS SOLUTIONPOTASSIUM HYDROXIDE REAGENT GRADE 1KGPOTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, SEMICONDUCTOR GRADE, PELLETS, 99.99% TRACE METALS BASIS (PURITY EXCLUDES SODIUM CONTENT.)POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, 10% W/V AQUEOUS SOLUTIONPOTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, 25% W/V AQUEOUS SOLUTIONC12568POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, 50% W/V AQUEOUS SOLUTIONPOTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, 30% W/V AQUEOUS SOLUTION

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Products Containing Potassium Hydroxide

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Potassium Hydroxide or its alternative names.

Research Articles on Potassium Hydroxide

Scientific research related to this ingredient:

These research articles provide scientific evidence about Potassium Hydroxide safety and effects.

Common Questions About Potassium Hydroxide

Is this safe for adults to use Potassium Hydroxide?

Use caution with Potassium Hydroxide for adults. Some safety concerns have been identified.

What are the banned risks of Potassium Hydroxide for adults?

Banned or heavily restricted in one or more countries.

What are the organ risk risks of Potassium Hydroxide for adults?

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use.

What are the long-term risk risks of Potassium Hydroxide for adults?

Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure.

What products contain Potassium Hydroxide?

Potassium Hydroxide is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can adults using products with Potassium Hydroxide?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for adults. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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