What Is CaO?

Learn about the buffering characteristics of CaO and its usage in personal care products.

What Is CaO? Brandon Jones / IngredientReviewer

Last Updated: October 2, 2024

Written by Brandon Jones

What Is CaO?

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Calcium oxide, also known as oxocalcium, is a white or grayish white powder or granules that can be used for various purposes. It is commonly used in cosmetics as a buffering agent, which helps to stabilize the pH of products. However, it can also be found in insecticides and fertilizers due to its strong properties. Calcium oxide is an irritant to the skin, eyes and mucous membranes and should be handled with care. It has no odor but can come in different forms such as dry powder, liquid or pellets/crystals. In food production, it acts as a pH control agent and nutrient supplement while also improving dough texture and preventing clumping of ingredients.

What is the purpose of CaO in personal care products? It is used for its buffering characteristics. CaO regulates the pH balance.

Names and identifiers that we found for this substance include: CaO, Lime, Calcium Oxide, and Calcium oxide (CaO).

What Are Buffering Ingredients?

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CaO has buffering characteristics.

Buffering ingredients helps regulate and maintain the pH balance of cosmetic products. The pH scale is a method used to determine a mixture's acidity or alkalinity level. Our skin's natural pH balance helps it stay healthy and function properly. When cosmetic products are applied to the skin, they can alter the pH balance, potentially causing irritation or other adverse effects.

Buffering ingredients neutralize or adjust the pH of cosmetic products to match that of the skin, which helps minimize the risk of irritation or damage. By maintaining a consistent pH balance, buffering ingredients can also improve the stability and effectiveness of a product's active ingredients.

Types of Buffering Ingredients

Here are some of the most common types of buffering ingredients:

  • Alkalis: These have a high pH and are used to neutralize acids. They help maintain the product's pH within a desired range.

  • Acids: These have a low pH and are used to neutralize alkalis. They help maintain the cosmetic product's pH within a desired range.

  • Salts: These are formed when an acid and a base (alkali) are mixed. They help maintain the cosmetic product's stability by preventing changes in pH caused by external factors such as heat or exposure to air.

Safety

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Remember, always read and follow the instructions provided on product labels carefully. If you have any questions or concerns about using a product containing various ingredients, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before use.