Ammonium Hydroxide
What Ammonium Hydroxide is & what it does
A pH adjuster used in tiny amounts to balance acidity and neutralize thickeners. It serves a purely functional role.
Is Ammonium Hydroxide safe in skincare?
Ammonium Hydroxide is widely used in cosmetics as a pH adjuster and is generally considered safe at the low levels found in finished products. In concentrated form it is alkaline and irritating, but in formulas it is used in tiny amounts to fine-tune acidity. If you have sensitive skin and notice irritation from a product, it is best to check with a professional.
What does Ammonium Hydroxide do in skincare?
Ammonium Hydroxide functions mainly as a pH adjuster and buffering agent. Formulators add small amounts to bring a product to its target pH, which helps with stability and skin compatibility. It does not act as an active treatment ingredient; its role is behind the scenes.
Is Ammonium Hydroxide natural or synthetic?
Ammonium Hydroxide is a solution of ammonia in water and is produced synthetically for cosmetic use. While ammonia compounds do occur in nature, the ingredient used in skincare is manufactured to defined purity standards. It is also vegan, as it is not derived from animals.
Sunscreens with Ammonium Hydroxide
We rate 24 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:
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Exuviance Skin Caring Bb Fluid With Sunscreen Broad Spectrum Spf 50 Pa++++
84/100
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Neostrata Sheer Physical Protection Spf 50 Pa++++
84/100
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Tula Mineral Magic
83/100
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Neostrata Sheer Physical Protection Spf 50
83/100
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EXUVIANCE BY NEOSTRATA Sheer Daily Protector Spf 50
83/100
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Tula Pentapeptide Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50
82/100
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Rodan + Fields Soothe Daily Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
79/100
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Cosmedix Zinc Defense SPF 50
71/100
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Peter Thomas Roth Max Matte Shine Control Sunscreen SPF 45
69/100
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Exuviance Sheer Refining Fluid Spf 40
67/100