The Outset Restorative Niacinamide Night Cream

The Outset Restorative Niacinamide Night Cream
8.7
/ 10
Moisturizing
7.9 Humectancy icon Humectancy
9.5 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
0.4Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants

Review

Results you may expect from using The Outset Restorative Niacinamide Night Cream:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using The Outset Restorative Niacinamide Night Cream:

  • Intense moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 8.7 out of 10.
  • Little anti-wrinkle effect: The Outset Restorative Niacinamide Night Cream has an anti-wrinkle rating of 0.4 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

How moisturizing is it?

Intensely moisturizing: The Outset Restorative Niacinamide Night Cream has a moisturizing rating of 8.7 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather occlusive. It has a high humectancy of 7.9 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Propanediol (est. ≈3.0%) and Glycerin (est. ≈2.5%), and a very high occlusivity of 9.5 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈9.0%) and Cetyl Palmitate (est. ≈6.0%).

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, The Outset Restorative Niacinamide Night Cream has a minimal anti-wrinkle rating of 0.4 out of 10. It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈0.3%),
 one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients.
 
Among others, The Outset Restorative Niacinamide Night Cream also contains Bakuchiol, an ingredient marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Bakuchiol provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, this ingredient does not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 
Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, could deliver additional anti-wrinkle efficacy through its moisturizing action.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Antioxidant benefits

We estimate that The Outset Restorative Niacinamide Night Cream is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil (est. ≈0.3%), Niacinamide (est. ≈0.3%), Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil (est. ≈0.3%), and others.

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
55
Water
9
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
6
Cetyl Palmitate
4
Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate
3
Propanediol
2.5
Glycerin
2
Cetearyl Alcohol
1.5
Glyceryl Stearate SE
1.3
Myristyl Myristate
1
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
0.3
Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate
0.3
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
0.3
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
0.3
Niacinamide
0.3
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
0.3
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
0.3
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil
0.3
Pentylene Glycol
0.3
Bakuchiol
0.3
Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide
0.3
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
0.3
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
0.3
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
0.3
Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract
0.3
Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract
0.3
Capsicum Annuum Fruit Meristem Cell
0.3
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract
0.3
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract
0.3
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
0.3
Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate
0.3
Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
0.3
Acacia Senegal Gum
0.3
Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
0.3
Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters
0.3
Xanthan Gum
0.3
Saccharide Isomerate
0.3
Panthenol
0.3
Cellulose
0.3
Diheptyl Succinate
0.3
Caprylyl Glycol
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Sodium Phytate
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Jojoba Esters
0.3
Citric Acid
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Phenoxyethanol
0.3
Sodium Citrate
0.3
Sodium Benzoate
0.3
Potassium Sorbate
0.3
Potassium Hydroxide
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate SE
Function:
Origin:
Myristyl Myristate
Function:
Origin:
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate
Function:
Origin:
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Bakuchiol
Function:
Origin:
Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide
Function:
Origin:
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Capsicum Annuum Fruit Meristem Cell
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate
Function:
Origin:
Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Acacia Senegal Gum
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Saccharide Isomerate
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Cellulose
Function:
Origin:
Diheptyl Succinate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Phytate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Jojoba Esters
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Citrate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
7.9
3
2.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
19.0
9.0
6.0
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
8.7
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 7.9 10
7.9
3
2.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 19.0 20
9.5
9.0
6.0
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
8.7
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
3
2.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 7.9 10
7.9
All humectants
7.9
3
2.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
9
6
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 19.0 20
9.5
All occlusives
19.0
9.0
6.0
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 0.3 0.4
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0.4
Niacinamide
0.4
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Bakuchiol
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 4.5 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
4.5
Niacinamide
0.3
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
0.3
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
0.3
Bakuchiol
0.3
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
0.3
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
0.3
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
0.3
Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract
0.3
Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract
0.3
Capsicum Annuum Fruit Meristem Cell
0.3
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract
0.3
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 1.8 5 No
All soothing
1.8
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %55
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Cetyl Palmitate
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Cetyl PalmitateA moisturizing occlusive and emollient wax ester that consists of cetyl alcohol and palmitic acid. In nature, cetyl palmitate is found, and was first identified, in spermaceti, a waxy substance from inside the skull of the sperm whale.
Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-3 StearateDescription is coming soon
Propanediol
Est. %3
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Glycerin
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Cetearyl AlcoholA blend of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, the fatty alcohols that are derived from palm oil. It helps to create emulsions that give off a soft and silky emollient feel and also increase product thickness.
Glyceryl Stearate SE
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Glyceryl Stearate SEAn emulsifier, where the SE stands for self-emulsifying. Emulsions containing glyceryl stearate SE often impart a smooth, velvety feel upon the skin.
Myristyl Myristate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Myristyl MyristateAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient ester that is derived from vegetables. This soft, wax-like ester produces a soft and creamy sensorial profile. Myristyl myristate is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Dicaprylyl CarbonateA very fast-spreading emollient that gives a product an incredibly lightweight feel. Dicaprylyl carbonate works well as a solvent for suspending insoluble solids such as mineral sunscreens or iron oxide pigments.
Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl OlivateDescription is coming soon
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) OilA fatty oil expressed from the fleshy part of an avocado, used in skincare for its excellent emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. Avocado oil contains fatty acids, notably oleic acid (up to 80%), squalene, vitamin E, and carotenoids.
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated Vegetable OilA solid, butter-like substance that is a highly occlusive moisturizer and emollient. It is a mixture of various plant oils (such as soy, olive, corn, canola, peanut, and many others) which has been refined.
Niacinamide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient is a true superstar with confirmed moisturizing, anti-acne, hyperpigmentation, and antioxidant benefits. Two studies confirm its significant anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed OilA fatty oil expressed from sunflower seeds and one of the most commonly used oils in skincare. It has great emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. Sunflower oil is one of the richest sources of vitamin E – an important skin antioxidant.
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed OilAn emollient and occlusive moisturizing oil derived from grape seeds that are leftover after juicing or wine production. It contains linoleic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids, squalene, as well as phytosterols and various antioxidant compounds.
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) OilAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient fatty oil expressed from the seeds of a yellow-flowered plant which often opens its flowers in the evening (hence the name). It is light and suitable for problematic, eczematous, and inflammation-prone skin.
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentylene Glycol

A naturally or synthetically derived preservative that exhibits effective antifungal and antibacterial traits. It also acts as a booster for more traditional preservatives. Pentylene glycol can also serve as a moisturizing humectant and solvent.

Bakuchiol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BakuchiolA newly discovered bioactive obtained from the seeds of Babchi. It boosts collagen production like retinol, but with fewer side effects. Its effects include reduced wrinkles and faded pigmentation.
Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cassia Angustifolia Seed PolysaccharideAn ingredient obtained from a plant commonly called Senna. Polysaccharides are known to create a mild humectant film on the skin, helping to retain moisture. It can also make the skin appear smooth and contribute to a glowing look.
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit ExtractAn extract derived from the berries of the bilberry plant, sometimes called European blueberry. It is rich in antioxidant anthocyanins and astringent tannins.
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower ExtractDerived from German chamomile flowers, this extract is especially known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits. It contains two soothing compounds called chamazulene and bisabolol, as well as antioxidant flavonoids.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root ExtractAn extract from the licorice root. It contains a well-researched anti-inflammatory compound called glycyrrhizin that can reduce inflammation. Licorice root extract is also used for its powerful antioxidant effects and ability to treat pigmentation.
Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) ExtractAn antioxidant extract from sugarcane, the famous crop used to make sugar. It acts as a humectant and exfoliating agent – the little sugar crystals mechanically remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface.
Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) ExtractAn antioxidant extract from sugar maple bark and sap – the same sweet sap used to make maple syrup. It has a faint vanilla smell and is used in skincare for its exfoliating properties. This is because of the small sugar crystals present in the extract.
Capsicum Annuum Fruit Meristem Cell
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Capsicum Annuum Fruit Meristem CellDescription is coming soon
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit ExtractAn extract from the fruit of the sweet orange. It contains fragrant sweet orange essential oil, high amounts of antioxidant flavonoids (mainly hesperidin), and carotenoids – which give it the orange color.
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit ExtractA fragrant extract from lemon peels that contains various antioxidant flavonoids, organic acids, and limonoids – which are currently under investigation as potential anti-wrinkle and anti-pigment compounds.
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycine Soja (Soybean) OilAn occlusive moisturizing oil expressed from soybeans. It does not leave an oily feeling on the skin due to its low content of saturated fatty acids. Glycine soja oil contains emollient fatty acids and a significant amount of antioxidants.
Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Stearoyl LactylateA negatively charged surfactant that mixes oils with water and cleanses skin.
Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid CopolymerA naturally-derived film-former that increases water resistance of a product. It is also referred to as an alternative to dimethicone.
Acacia Senegal Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acacia Senegal GumA formula helper, also known as gum arabic, derived from the African Acacia tree. It is used in skincare formulas due to its good adhesive and film-forming properties.
Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated Olive Oil UnsaponifiablesA strongly emollient fraction of olive oil. It contains sterols and fatty alcohols along with various antioxidant compounds and squalane - which replenishes skin sebum.
Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Jojoba EstersAn occlusive moisturizing mixture of fatty acids and fatty alcohols obtained from jojoba oil. It is also used as a formula helper.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Saccharide Isomerate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Saccharide IsomerateA naturally-derived humectant that provides moisturization at low levels and is less sticky than other humectants like glycerin.
Panthenol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
Cellulose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CelluloseA natural ingredient that can create water-based gels, absorb oils, and exfoliate the skin. One of the main functions of cellulose is as a bulking and viscosity controlling agent. Cellulose can also modify the slip aesthetics and act as an opacifying agent.
Diheptyl Succinate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Diheptyl SuccinateA naturally-derived ingredient made from castor oil and wheat . Usually it is part of an ingredient blend as an alternative to silicones. It helps improve the spread of a product and reduce tackiness while remaining light on the skin.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Sodium Phytate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PhytateSodium phytate is a chelating agent that serves to remove heavy metal ions from water. Removing metal ions helps other ingredients, such as antioxidants and preservatives, to perform better and keep products from separating.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Jojoba Esters
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Jojoba EstersA mixture of various wax esters from jojoba oil. It is used in skincare products as a fantastic emollient, soothing, and occlusive moisturizing agent that won't leave a sticky, oily feeling on the skin.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Sodium Citrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium CitrateA salt of citric acid that has a salty and tart flavor and is used as a fragrance. It is mildly basic, meaning that its addition to a skincare product can adjust the pH upward.
Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.
Potassium Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium SorbateA preservative widely used in food and personal care products, available from natural sources or synthetically produced. Potassium sorbate works by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria.
Potassium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium HydroxideA very alkaline ingredient, meaning that it has a high pH. Potassium hydroxide is therefore useful in bringing a low pH in a cosmetic product up to a more neutral, skin-safe level.