activesStandard

Potassium Humate

Potassium Salt of Humic Acid

humectantconditioningchelating agentantioxidant

INCI Name

Potassium Humate

Functions

4 Roles

Sustainability

9/10

Category

actives

What It Does

Potassium Humate is the potassium salt of humic acid, a complex mixture of organic compounds derived from the decomposition of plant and animal matter over thousands of years. In cosmetics, it's valued for its rich content of trace minerals, amino acids, and fulvic acid components that provide skin conditioning, moisture retention, and chelating properties. Formulators choose it for its ability to enhance nutrient delivery, provide antioxidant protection through its phenolic groups, and improve the bioavailability of other active ingredients while offering a natural, earth-derived alternative to synthetic conditioning agents.

Attracts moisture from the air
Provides deep, lasting hydration
Improves skin elasticity and plumpness
Enhances penetration of other actives

Technical Properties

pH Range

8.0-10.0

Optimal working range

Ionic Charge

anionic

Molecular charge type

Viscosity Effect

neutral

Impact on formula thickness

Ingredient Compatibility

Works Well With

nonionic surfactantshumectantsplant extractsmost emollientsanionic ingredients

Avoid Combining

cationic ingredientsstrong acidsheavy metal saltshigh concentrations of calcium or magnesium
Compatibility analysis powered by OpenMix — open-source formulation science

Sustainability Profile

Sustainability Score

9/10

Biodegradability

readily biodegradable

Source

plant-derived

Feedstock

Extracted from leonardite, peat, or decomposed organic matter through alkaline extraction

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