pH Regulation
Peat’s natural acidity (pH 3.5–5.5 for sphagnum peat) aligns with the skin’s acid mantle (pH 4.5–5.5), a critical component of skin barrier function. Many conventional cleansers and treatments disrupt the acid mantle with alkaline pH, while peat applications support and restore it.
Mechanism
The acid mantle inhibits pathogenic bacterial growth, maintains the activity of barrier-forming enzymes, and supports the structural integrity of the lipid matrix between skin cells. Peat’s acidic pH — produced by organic acids, humic acids, and fulvic acids — reinforces this protective layer rather than stripping it.
Cosmetic Relevance
pH compatibility is a foundational property that enhances all other peat mechanisms. A treatment that respects the acid mantle avoids the barrier disruption and reactive sebum overproduction caused by alkaline products. This makes peat naturally suitable as a daily-use ingredient in cleansers, masks, and leave-on treatments.
How It Works
| Targets | Skin acid mantle (pH 4.5–5.5) |
| Pathway | Peat's natural acidity (pH 3.5–5.5) supports and restores skin's acid mantle |