Do You Know Your Face pH? Why Your Face Might Be a Little... Basic (Literally)

Let’s talk about something no one covered in high school chemistry class—but absolutely should’ve:
👉 Your face has a pH.
👉 And if it’s off? Your skin might be staging a full-blown mutiny.

Wait, what is pH and why should I care?

pH stands for "potential hydrogen,” but unless you’re planning to turn your bathroom into a lab, here’s what you need to know:

Your skin has a protective barrier called the acid mantle. Think of it like your face’s bouncer—it keeps the good stuff in and the bad stuff out.

The acid mantle works best when your skin’s pH sits between 4.5 and 5.5. That’s slightly acidic. Not "lemon juice" acidic. More like "just a splash of kombucha" acidic.

When your pH is in balance, your skin is like,
"Yaaas queen, we’re glowing, we’re plump, we’re thriving!"

But when it’s too alkaline (above 6), your skin’s all:
"Why is it dry, red, inflamed, and breaking out?!"

So what throws off my pH?

Oh, just a few things like:

• Harsh cleansers that foam like dish soap 💨

• Over-exfoliating (put down the apricot scrub, Karen)

• Tap water

• Using 18-step routines that don’t even make sense

• Stress, hormones, diet… aka life

Basically, your pH is that sensitive bestie who gets a rash just thinking about drama.

How do I know if my pH is off?

Your skin might be giving you subtle—or not-so-subtle—clues:

• Tightness after cleansing (your face shouldn’t feel like it got Botox without the needles)

• Redness and inflammation

• Dry patches OR sudden breakouts

• A weird oiliness that doesn’t even moisturize—it just shines and mocks you

So how do I fix it? Or better yet, prevent the chaos?

I'm so glad you asked. (And your acid mantle thanks you too.)

Here’s how to stay in pH harmony:
✨ Use a pH-balanced cleanser (that doesn’t strip you like a toxic relationship)
✨ Avoid alcohol-based toners—no one needs that kind of sting
✨ Apply skincare in gentle layers—less wrestling, more cuddling
✨ Eat more leafy greens and fermented foods (your gut and skin are on the same group chat)
✨ Use skincare products that respect your skin barrier—like, ahem, Qoolness

Our Qoolness Pearlescent Eye Serum & Face Cream is made with natural, gentle ingredients that play nice with your pH levels. Because I’ve had eczema. I’ve been on the wrong side of the acid mantle war. And I’m not going back.

Final Word: Don’t Be Basic. Literally.

Your skin is smart. It’s strong. But it’s also picky. Keep your pH in check, and it’ll reward you with that dewy, radiant “I-drink-water-and-mind-my-business” glow.

So ask yourself, sis:
Do you even pH?

(If not, now you do.) 💁♀️

👉 Follow Qoolness for more real talk, clean beauty tips, and a skincare line that actually respects your barrier:
🌿 linktr.ee/qoolness