POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE
POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE is permitted in cosmetics within the EU subject to the conditions laid down in Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. Review the restrictions, permitted concentration and Safety Gate alerts.
Regulatory status as of 2026-08-28 (per the CosIng database).
About the ingredient
Potassium hydroxide
EU regulatory status
Annex of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009: III/15a, 15d
Source: the European Commission's official CosIng database and Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council on cosmetic products. How we assess ingredients — full methodology.
- View the entry in the CosIng database (European Commission)
- Open Regulation 1223/2009 in EUR-Lex
- Check the chemical profile in PubChem
Last updated:
Functions in cosmetics
Frequently asked questions
Is POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE safe in cosmetics?
POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE is permitted in cosmetics in the EU, but subject to the conditions set out in Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 — typically a maximum concentration, product category or a mandatory warning on the packaging. Manufacturers must comply with these limits.
In which annex of Regulation 1223/2009 is POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE listed?
POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE is listed under reference III/15a, 15d in the annexes of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products. The first part (Roman numeral) indicates the annex: II – prohibited substances, III – substances restricted by conditions, IV – permitted colorants, V – permitted preservatives, VI – permitted UV filters.
What functions does POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE perform in cosmetics?
According to the European Commission's CosIng database, POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE performs the following functions in cosmetics: BUFFERING. Functions are defined in the CosIng glossary and describe the technological role of a substance in the finished product.
Are there Safety Gate alerts concerning POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE?
Our copy of the EU Safety Gate database currently contains no alerts linking POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE to a cosmetic recall. The database is refreshed regularly from the European Commission's official Safety Gate system.