Everything is connected

← Ingredient index

The ingredient, explained

Potassium Hydroxide

A randomized clinical trial tested this exact ingredient as a medical treatment.

Buffering
Explore connections

Ingredient guide

What it is and what it does

Potassium hydroxide

About this ingredient: EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗

Buffering
Helps resist changes in a formula's pH.

Function definitions: European Commission ingredient function definitions (SCCNFP/0299/00, pages 16 to 20) ↗

Registry functions describe possible formulation roles, not results for a finished product. A dictionary entry is not an approval or a safety assessment.

A closer look

What the research shows

Human topical treatment study

Both arms reduced lesions by week 12; the trial did not establish superior efficacy of potassium hydroxide.

What this does not tell us

Medical caustic wart treatment differs from low-concentration cosmetic pH adjustment. Open-label active-comparator study, no vehicle.

Sources for this summary. PubMed 25039244 ↗

Research review checked Oct 1, 2026

Bounded review of local candidates, exact-name indexed primary journal/PubMed safety and topical searches; not a systematic review.

Ingredient research is not proof that a product containing this ingredient works.

Read the 1 selected study

Follow the formula

Products containing this ingredient

All 176 products ↗

From the wider catalogue. Linked by the ingredient list, without an efficacy ranking.

Names and identifiers

Registry identity

Potassium hydroxide

INCI name on ingredient lists
POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE
CAS registry number
1310-58-3
EC number
215-181-3
Other recorded names (1)
  • kalii hydroxidum

Sources for this ingredient record