Why is Sulfonic Acid Hugely Popular in the Beauty and Personal Care Products Industry?

Sulfonic acid belongs to the class of organosulfur compounds and has a chemical formula RSO3H- here, R is an organic alkyl group, while SO3H belongs to the sulfonyl hydroxide group. Sulphonic acid, thus, differs from sulfuric acid in that one of the hydroxyl groups of sulfuric acid is replaced by an organic group. Sulphonic acid has a wide range of applications including in beauty and skin care products, industrial cleaning agents, pharmaceutical industry, food and beverage industry, and chemicals manufacturing sector, etc. This wide applicability of sulphonic acid is due to its chemical properties which make it an efficient catalyst in various chemical processes. Apart from this, sulphonic solid acid materials are a popular choice in place of homogenous mineral acids in different acid catalyzed processes. These factors have played a huge role in helping the global sulphonic acid market reach where it is today.

As per a report published by Research Dive, the global sulfonic acid market, which was worth $700.1 million in 2021, is predicted to reach a revenue of $1,664.7 million in the 2022-2031 timeframe. Apart from the growth drivers mentioned above, another important factor behind the market registering such stunning numbers is the growing awareness across the globe regarding the use of surfactants, detergents, and industrial cleansing agents.

Sulfonic Acid and its Growing Popularity in the Beauty & Personal Care Products Industry

The organic alkyl group and sulfonyl group of sulfonic acid provides it with some unique properties. One of the biggest industries which have a huge demand for sulphonic acid is the beauty and personal care products industry. This is primarily due to the exfoliating effect sulphonic acid has on human skin. Sulphonic acid due to its chemical constituents helps in activating natural enzymes in the skin which break the bond between dead skin cells on the outer layer of the skin. This has a cleansing effect on the skin and also promotes skin regeneration, thus providing a youthful and healthy appearance.

Apart from regular sulphonic acid, many of its chemical derivatives, too, are used as an effective catalyst in skin care products. Phenyl benzimidazole sulfonic acid is one such example; also called Ensulizole, phenyl benzimidazole sulfonic acid is an important ingredient of sun protection body and face creams. Even certain salts of phenyl benzimidazole sulfonic acid such as TEA-phenyl benzimidazole sulfonate, sodium phenyl benzimidazole sulfonate, potassium phenyl benzimidazole sulfonate, are used in manufacturing of these creams. The main reason behind their use is the UV ray's absorption capacity of sulfonic acid.

Another important advantage provided by a derivative of sulfonic acid is that it helps in maintaining the pH balance of the cosmetic product. Hydroxyethyl piperazine ethane sulphonic acid or HEPES is basic in nature with a pH value of 7.0-7.6. Due to this property, HEPES is widely used in different cosmetic products containing glycolic acid, as the basic nature of HEPES neutralizes the acidic nature of glycolic acid and other ingredients used in the cosmetic product. This is extremely necessary, both from the point of view of the user and the company; a neutral pH product causes minimal irritation to the skin while at the same time ensuring that the shelf-life of the product is longer.

In Summary

Congruent to the increasing demand for beauty and personal care products, the demand for sulfonic acid from lifestyle products in the manufacturing industry has also increased. Though the advantages provided by sulphonic acid and its derivates have played a major role in increasing its demand, the approval granted by FDA in the US has also been a major factor. Research and studies conducted by experts have shown that sulfonic acid is a safe product and scores low on tests related to toxicity and allergy and cancer-causing capacity. These tests and subsequent approval given by the FDA for several products containing sulfonic acid has increased the trust of customers on these products and further increased their demand.

About the Author(s)

Princy A. J

Princy holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.