What does pH mean?

pH stands for "potential hydrogen," which reflects the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution. It is a measure of how acidic or basic a substance is, based on a scale that typically ranges from 0 to 14. A lower pH indicates higher acidity (more hydrogen ions), while a higher pH signifies more basic (or alkaline) conditions, with a neutral pH being around 7.

Understanding pH is crucial in the field of esthetics because the pH of products used in skincare can significantly impact their effectiveness and compatibility with the skin. For instance, products formulated for the skin typically have a pH close to that of the skin's natural pH, which is about 4.5 to 5.5. This balance helps maintain the skin’s barrier function and overall health.

Other options such as "practical hydrogen," "physical hydrogen," and "permissible hydrogen" do not accurately reflect the scientific principles related to acidity and alkalinity in solutions, which is why they are not considered correct interpretations of the pH concept.