J. Blaak, D. Buning, J. Erasmy, B. Heide, S. Hentrey, D. Hentrich, U. Kortemeier, S. Munke, D. Segger, A. Trieder, N. Truchan, A. Wanninger
The slightly acidic pH of the human skin surface ranges between 4.1 and 5.8 and is essential for the skin’s barrier function (Segger et al. 2007). Recommendations for pH-neutral or pH-friendly products take this pH range into account. Skin cleansers can cause a shift in the skin’s pH of up to 3 units, followed by pH restoration within a few hours. Both the pH shift and the pH restoration are linked to the pH of the skin cleanser and the combination of surfactants used (Aßmus et al. 2013).
Given the relevance of pH to the epidermal barrier, the DGK’s Skin Cleansing Expert Group builds on previous studies and projects in the present work. The working group analysed and classified 80 skin cleansers available in Germany with respect to pH, composition and claims. Particular attention was paid to ensuring a neutral selection and a broad range of skin cleansers included in the study. The products examined were classified and analysed according to product type, target groups, pH-related claims and various formulation characteristics.
An explicit pH-related claim was identified for 52.5 % (n=42) of the products. The pH ranged from 3.47 to 6.53, with a mean of 4.85 (±0.6 SD; median: 4.74). A total of 67 products (83.75 %) had a pH within the physiological range of 4.1–5.8 and thus complied with current recommendations
