Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid
What Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid is & what it does
Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, often abbreviated HEPES, is a synthetic buffering agent. In cosmetic and sunscreen formulas it helps keep the product at a stable pH, which supports the performance of pH-sensitive ingredients. It is the same zwitterionic buffer widely used in laboratory work and is included in skincare at low concentrations.
What does Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid do in skincare?
It works as a buffering agent, also known as HEPES. Its job is to keep a formula at a stable, target pH so that pH-sensitive ingredients perform consistently. It does not provide a fragrance, color, or active skincare effect on its own.
Is Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid safe?
HEPES is used as a buffer at low concentrations in cosmetics and is the same zwitterionic compound widely used in laboratory settings. Like any ingredient, suitability depends on the finished formula and individual sensitivity. We do not make medical claims, so check with a professional if you have specific concerns.
Is Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid natural or synthetic?
It is synthetic. HEPES is a manufactured organic buffering compound and does not occur as a botanical extract. It is produced specifically for its reliable pH-stabilizing properties.
Sunscreens with Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid
We rate 9 sunscreens that contain it:
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AGE 20's Moist Up Skin Fit Sun Cream SPF50+/PA++++
92/100
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L'Oreal Bright Reveal Daily Fluid Tinted Glow SPF 50+
87/100
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L'Oreal Bright Reveal Tinted Daily Fluid SPF 50
87/100
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La Roche-Posay Redermic R Uv Anti-Ageing Cream Spf 30
77/100
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The Face Shop Dr. Belmeur Uv Derma Non-Comedogenic Sun Cream
68/100
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L'Oreal Youth Code Dark Spot Corrector Day Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
65/100
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Helena Rubinstein Collagenist Re-Plump Day Cream Normal Skin Spf 15
63/100
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Helena Rubinstein Collagenist Re-Plump Day Cream Dry Skin SPF 15
63/100
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L'Oreal True Match Super Blendable Makeup With Spf
49/100