HEPES

[ˈhēps]

Categories: Organics, Buffering Agents

HEPES Skincare Benefits:
Product Stabilizer

Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid or HEPES is a chemical molecule that acts as an organic buffering agent. HEPES functions by contributing its more neutral-basic pH (7.0-7.6 pH) to the cosmetic solution, thereby balancing the nature of its more acidic counterparts. Due to its ability to maintain pH conditions during chemical reactions, HEPES is frequently paired with ingredients such as glycolic acid. This acid buffer combination is commonly found in cosmetics to help prolong and maintain the quality of skincare products. 1 2

  1. Zawaideh, L. and Zhang, T. The effects of pH and addition of an organic buffer (HEPES) on nitrate transformation in Fe 0-water systems. Water science and technology 38.7,107-115 (1998)
  2. Sophocleous, A. et al. A new class of inhibitors of peptide sorption and acylation in PLGA. Journal of Controlled Release 137.3, 179-184 (2009)