Ammonia
AKA “azane, Ammonia gas, Nitro-sil, Ammonia anhydrous, Ammonia, anhydrous, Anhydrous ammonia, Ammoniak”
Synthetic
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Ingredient Facts
Ammonia
AKA: Azane, Ammonia gas, Nitro-sil, Ammonia anhydrous, Anhydrous, Anhydrous ammonia, Ammoniak
Synthetic · Buffering | pH Adjusting · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived
Synthetic
Clean
Helps balance pH levels in formulas to keep products stable and effective on skin and hair.
Solubility 34 % (NIOSH, 2024)
Formula
H3N
Mol. Weight
17.03
CAS #
7664-41-7
Form
Liquid
Plant-Derived
Synthetic. Produced from nitrogen gas and hydrogen through the Haber-Bosch catalytic synthesis process at high temperature and pressure. The resulting ammonia compound is then purified and dissolved in water to create aqueous ammonia solution for cosmetic use.
Function
Buffering | pH Adjusting
Benefits
Neutralizes free radicals
Quells irritation
Traditional Use
Used since ancient times in various forms; Roman fullers used ammonia from stale urine for cleaning textiles and hair. In modern cosmetics, synthetic ammonia has been used as a pH buffer and alkalizing agent since the 19th century.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
Target
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy Safe
Caution
EWG Score4
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval, all-shades-safe, Mild Irritant
Concentration Guide
6%
0%8%
Reg. Limit
EU regulatory limit: 6%. NH3). Above 2%: Contains ammonia Source: EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, Annex III (Restricted Substances), Entry 4.
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR