Sodium Hydroxide
AKA: Lye, Causatic Soda
Category: pH adjuster
Natural Origin: Sodium hydroxide is derived from salt water (brine). It is most commonly derived by the electrolysis of brine, a salt (NaCl) solution. During this process, the water (H2O) is reduced to hydrogen gas (H) and hydroxide ion (OH), which bonds with the sodium to form sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
Why we need it: In order to balance the pH value of our products, we use Sodium hydroxide at extremely low levels (nearly undetectable)
WHY WE LOVE IT
Highly alkaline (pH value 12)
Certain products need to be held at a specific pH in order to function in their optimal range, therefore, sodium hydroxide is necessary to balance the desired pH.