Not to get all science-y on you, but it's really important to understand how the pH of your skin can affect the way it looks and feels. In short, pH refers to acidity levels. It ranges from 1 to 14, with seven being considered neutral; everything below seven is acidic, while everything above seven is basic. You'd think that seven would be perfect for your skin — but in all reality, the Journal of Cosmetic Science reports than a pH level of just below five is ideal for the skin.
There are plenty of various factors that can affect the pH of your skin including air pollution, sweat, specific soaps or detergents, sun, and cleansing too much (among others). While you can actually buy beauty tools that measure the pH levels of your skin, it's usually easiest and more time- and cost-effective to observe your skin to see where it lies on the pH scale. Things like redness, breakouts, or irritation can all be signs that your skin's pH is off.
In order to keep your skin's pH nicely balanced, it's important to find the right products. Below, we've gathered some of our favorite pH-balancing cleansers that can help keep your skin happy, healthy and clear.
Image via Imaxtree
This affordable pH-balanced daily cleanser is gentle yet incredibly effective when it comes to getting your skin clean (and looking cute for the 'gram). Bonus: It features the same gentle cleansing agents that are found in contact lens solution!
This low pH cleanser has a pH of 5.5 and truly balances the skin while keeping it clean, smooth, and supple. Key ingredients include soothing centella asiatica, aloe, and witch hazel, which work together to keep breakouts at bay.
This hydrating cleanser has a gentle foam that leaves skin feeling dewy and fresh and its pH is nicely balanced at 4.5 to 5. It removes makeup like quite the treat and won't overstrip your skin!
All of Peach and Lily's Korean skin care-inspired products are pretty much a skin care addict's dream come true, and this soothing pick is no exception. The 5.5 pH cleanser creates a light foam that removes makeup in a snap, without leaving your skin feeling dry and stripped.
