Buffering agents are chemical compounds that help maintain and stabilize the pH level of products, preventing drastic fluctuations that could affect product stability, safety, and effectiveness. They work by neutralizing acids or bases added to formulations, ensuring that products remain within a desired pH range. Also buffering agents extend shelf life of product by preventing pH fluctuations.
Common buffering agents are:
Citric Acid and Its Salts (like Sodium Citrate), Sodium Bicarbonate, Triethanolamine (TEA) and Other Amines, Lactic Acid and Lactates and Potassium-based Compounds.
Buffering systems are chemical mixtures usually composed of a weak acid and its conjugate base, which can either donate or absorb hydrogen ions to prevent significant changes in pH.
Buffering agents are essential and used in a variety of cosmetics including cleansers, serums, toners, creams, sunscreens, moisturizers, shampoos, and conditioners, especially those containing active ingredients sensitive to pH changes such as chemical exfoliants and antioxidants.
Buffering agents can be classified based on their chemical nature and pH range they stabilize. The primary classifications include inorganic (phosphate buffers) and organic buffers (lactates), as well as acidic (PH below 7) and basic buffers (PH above 7).