Best For Skin Types
Oily, Combination, Acne-prone
Addresses
Usage Frequency
Daily
Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid products at Skintique
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What Is Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid?
Hydroxyethylpiperazine ethane sulfonic acid, commonly abbreviated as HEPES, is a buffering agent used in skincare formulations. It belongs to a class of compounds called Good's buffers, originally developed for laboratory and pharmaceutical use. In skincare, HEPES serves a technical function rather than a direct active benefit: it maintains a stable pH within a product, which is particularly important in formulations containing multiple exfoliating or pH-dependent ingredients.
HEPES is found in roughly 0.2% of skincare products, typically appearing in serums and treatments that combine chemical exfoliants or other pH-sensitive actives. Its role is to ensure these ingredients remain effective and stable throughout the product's shelf life.
How It Works
HEPES is a buffering molecule that resists changes in pH. When added to a skincare formulation, it absorbs or releases hydrogen ions to maintain the product's intended acidity level. This is particularly valuable in products containing multiple exfoliants—such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and LHA—which require specific pH ranges to penetrate the skin effectively and safely.
Without a buffer, the combination of several acidic ingredients would create an unstable product where pH could drift over time or during storage, potentially compromising the efficacy of the actives or increasing irritation risk.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published clinical research supports the use of formulations containing HEPES in combination with exfoliating actives. One clinical study evaluated a serum containing HEPES alongside glycolic acid, salicylic acid, LHA, and dioic acid in 42 patients with acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation over 56 days. The results suggested the multi-ingredient formulation was effective in treating post-inflammatory discolouration and controlling oily skin, though the buffering role of HEPES specifically was not isolated in the analysis.
The evidence indicates that HEPES contributes to formulation stability and consistency, though its direct benefit is enabling other active ingredients to work optimally rather than providing independent skincare benefits.
Published Research
How to Use
HEPES is a functional ingredient within a formulation rather than something you need to apply differently. Use products containing HEPES as directed by the brand. Because HEPES typically appears in multi-active serums, it's worth introducing such products gradually if your skin is sensitive, starting with 2-3 times per week before increasing frequency.
Safety & Precautions
Frequently Asked Questions
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