[Research] The pH of Exfoliating Toners: A Spreadsheet.

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Hey y'all! I was browsing this sub yesterday night to enhance my education on pH dependency 'n' stuff when I realised that we actually don't really have any spreadsheets for the pH of exfoliating toners! I know of several pH spreadsheets for cleansers, and of course there are loads of bits and pieces on specific products scattered all over the sub, but wouldn't it be nice to have it all collected in one big spreadsheet?A few helpful links on pH dependency of toners:Putting your products in order, including pH-dependent acids. by u/SnowWhiteandthePearWhy a proper pH of cosmetic products is important for skin health. Main statements of that post:The lower the pH, the more effective the acid is on the skin. It will work better, penetrate better and deeper, with a more concentrated effect. It can also be more irritating, because it is more "powerful." When an acid product is formulated with a pH below 2.0, all of its acid percentage is essentially "free" or available to work effectively on the skin.AHAs (glycolic, lactic, mandelic, malic, citric, tartaric, etc.) are basically ineffective over 4.0 pH. To exfoliate the surface of the skin, the pH must be below 4.0. and the product percentage must be over 5%. 5% to 8% with a pH of 3.0 - 4.0 is the MINIMUM level for a daily use AHA; this will not treat scars or rebuild collagen.BHAs (salicylic acid) are also basically ineffective over 4.0 pH. To exfoliate the skin, and unclog pores, the pH must be below 4.0 and the product percentage must be over 1%. (1% to 2% with a pH of 3.0 - 4.0 is the MINIMUM level for a daily use BHA. Skin with very clogged pores may need a higher concentration, up to 5%, and lower pH.Generally speaking an acid is effective for approximately 20 to 30 minutes on the skin surface. After that point the skin pH has risen enough to lessen the exfoliation action on the skin, and the acid is effectively neutralized. During this 30 minute time frame, the acid is working at effective levels. Anything applied after 30 minutes will not hamper the effect of your acid, as the pH has already changed, and the acid action has slowed a lot.BRANDPRODUCTEXFOLIATING ACTIVES (WITH %)PHSOURCESCliniqueMild Clarifying Lotionsalicylic (0,5%)2,9Paula's ChoiceBiologique RechercheP50 Lotion 1970lactic; salicylic3,5Skin & TonicsBiologique RechercheP50 Lotiongluconolactone; lactic; citric; malic; phytic; salicylic3,0Skin & TonicsClarinsGentle Exfoliator Brightening Tonerglycolic; tartaric; salicylic?Email from company (yet to be answered).PixiGlow Tonicglycolic (5%)4-5Skin & Tonics; Suddenly Similar; LabMuffin#####I hope this little spreadsheets could help you a little with evaluating your exfoliation routine. I will try and update it whenever I can, but your help is also very appreciated! Just comment in here, or drop me a PM with all relevant information. If you've pH tested the product on your own, the better! Just make sure you include an imgur picture link of the testing so that we can see for ourselves.
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Submitted by minnie_kassovitz