Calcium Hydroxide
AKA “1305-62-0, Slaked lime, Hydrated lime, Lime hydrate, Calcium hydrate, Lime water, Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), Hydralime, Slaked-lime
Ingredient
Ingredient Facts
Calcium hydroxide
AKA: 1305-62-0, Slaked lime, Hydrated lime, Lime hydrate, Calcium hydrate, Lime water, Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), Hydralime, Slaked-lime
Ingredient · Buffering · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Not Clean
The CIR Expert Panel concluded that ... Calcium Hydroxide is safe in hair straighteners and depilatories under conditions of recommended use; users should minimize skin contact.  These ingredients are safe for all other present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment when formulated to be nonirritating.
Solubility 0.2 % at 32 °F (NIOSH, 2024)
Formula
CaH2O2
Mol. Weight
74.09
CAS #
1305-62-0
Form
Powder
State
Calcium hydroxide is an odorless white granules. Sinks in water. (USCG, 1999)
See origin →
Functions
Buffering
Antioxidant
Anti-Inflammatory
Boosts Collagen
Maintains optimal pH
Traditional Use
Used historically as slaked lime in traditional cosmetics and body preparations, particularly in South Asian and Middle Eastern beauty rituals. Also employed in traditional Chinese medicine; modern cosmetics use it as a pH buffer and neutralizer.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
ewg-4
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
7%
0%10%
Reg. Limit
EU regulatory limit: 7%. (a) Contains alkali Avoid contact with eyes Keep out of reach of children Can cause blindness (b) Contains alkali Keep out of reach of children Avoid contact with eyes Source: EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, Annex III (Restricted Substances), Entry 15c.
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUpermitted
JAPANpermitted
CANADApermitted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR