What Does pH Mean for Skincare? The Number Explained
A measure of acidity. Skin's surface sits mildly acidic; products range from acidic exfoliants to alkaline soaps.
On the label
Rarely printed. Acids list their pH sometimes; a very low number means a stronger exfoliant. Cleansers described as pH balanced are mildly acidic.
What it does not mean
It does not mean skin needs its pH corrected by a product after washing. Skin does that itself within an hour or so.