What Is Uric acid?

Learn about the buffering and skin conditioning characteristics of Uric acid and its usage in personal care products.

What Is Uric acid? Brandon Jones / IngredientReviewer

Last Updated: October 2, 2024

Written by Brandon Jones

What Is Uric acid?

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Uric acid is a substance that can help balance acidity and improve skin quality in some cosmetics. It looks like a white or beige powder and can form crystals in certain health conditions. It is made by the body from other substances like xanthine and hypoxanthine, and can also be found as phosphate in yeast and meat products.

What is the purpose of Uric acid in personal care products? It is used for its buffering and skin conditioning characteristics. Uric acid regulates the pH balance and moisturizes and strengthens skin.

Names and identifiers that we found for this substance include: Uric Acid, Lithic acid, Uric acid hyperuricemia, 2,6,8-Trioxopurine, 2,6,8-Trihydroxypurine, 1H-Purine-2,6,8-triol, Purine-2,6,8(1H,3H,9H)-trione, 7,9-Dihydro-1H-purine-2,6,8(3H)-trione, and 2,3,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-1H-purine-2,6,8-trione.

What Are Buffering Ingredients?

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Uric acid 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.

What Are Skin Conditioning Ingredients?

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Uric acid has skin conditioning characteristics.

Skin conditioning ingredients improve the texture, feel, and overall appearance of the skin, helping to avoid harmful effects from external factors. Skin conditioning ingredients moisturize the skin and strengthen its natural barrier function to help protect it from damage caused by harsh weather and sunlight. Some skin conditioning ingredients are anti-inflammatory and can help reduce redness and irritated skin.

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.