What Is Lithium Hydroxide?
Lithium hydroxide is an inorganic compound made by reacting lithium carbonate with calcium hydroxide or by electrolyzing a lithium salt solution. The result is a white crystalline powder that dissolves easily in water, giving it a high pH. First prepared in the 19th century for industrial use, it found its way into beauty products when chemists discovered its ability to control acidity and reshape hair fibers. Today manufacturers include it in relaxers, permanent wave lotions, depilatory creams and some specialty masks where tight pH control is needed. Production takes place in controlled facilities that carefully manage temperature and purity so the final material meets cosmetic safety standards.
Lithium Hydroxide’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas lithium hydroxide serves two main purposes
- Buffering – It steadies the pH of a product so the formula stays effective and comfortable on skin or hair. A stable pH helps preserve texture, color and shelf life while lowering the risk of irritation caused by sudden shifts in acidity.
- Hair waving or straightening – In chemical relaxers and perm solutions it swells the hair shaft and breaks certain bonds inside the fiber. This allows stylists to reshape curls into straighter strands or create new waves. The result is long-lasting style change without extreme heat tools.
Who Can Use Lithium Hydroxide
Lithium hydroxide is generally aimed at hair rather than skin, so most concerns relate to scalp sensitivity. Normal, oily and combination scalps usually tolerate it well when the formula is professionally balanced. Very dry or compromised skin may feel stinging because the compound is strongly alkaline, so individuals with eczema, psoriasis or open abrasions should steer clear or consult a professional before use.
The compound itself is mineral based and synthesized without animal derivatives, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians as long as the finished product carries cruelty-free certification.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women can technically use products containing lithium hydroxide in the small amounts found in cosmetics, but because hormone-related skin changes can heighten sensitivity they should ask a doctor before starting any new treatment. This information is educational only and not medical advice.
Lithium hydroxide does not increase photosensitivity so it will not make the skin or scalp more prone to sunburn. Always follow the product’s instructions and do not leave it on longer than recommended.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical lithium hydroxide vary from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects, though most users experience none when the product is formulated and applied correctly.
- Scalp redness or burning sensation
- Dryness or flaking of the scalp
- Brittleness or breakage of hair if overprocessed
- Allergic contact dermatitis marked by itching and rash
- Eye irritation if the product splashes into the eyes
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product immediately and seek professional medical advice.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0/5 – Lithium hydroxide is a highly water-soluble inorganic base that does not leave an oily or waxy residue on skin. Because it rinses away easily and lacks components that can sit inside pores, the risk of clogging is practically zero. For this reason it is generally considered suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone individuals when used in well-formulated products. Its main concern is irritation due to high alkalinity, not comedogenicity.
No reputable data suggest it contributes to blackheads, whiteheads or cystic blemishes. The few consumer complaints linked to lithium hydroxide products usually involve chemical burns from misuse rather than pore blockage.
Summary
Lithium hydroxide works in cosmetics as a pH buffer that keeps formulas stable and as a powerful agent for reshaping hair during relaxer or perm processes. It does this by delivering strong alkalinity that neutralizes acids and temporarily breaks the disulfide bonds inside hair fibers so strands can be reformed.
The ingredient is a niche player, showing up mainly in professional salon relaxers, at-home texturizers and the occasional specialty mask. It is far less common than mainstream conditioning agents or everyday buffers like citric acid, so most people will only encounter it when seeking a chemical straightening service.
When used as directed lithium hydroxide is considered safe, though its caustic nature means products must be carefully formulated and timed. Always perform a small patch test with any new product to check for personal sensitivity and follow the instructions to the letter for a smooth, irritation-free experience.