If you've ever noticed that some cleaning products leave your hands feeling tight and dry, or that certain sprays leave your stone counters looking dull, pH is likely the reason.
pH is one of the most important factors in cleaning product safety and performance — and one of the least talked about on commercial product labels.
The Basics: What Is pH?
pH measures how acidic or alkaline (basic) a substance is, on a scale from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral. Below 7 is acidic. Above 7 is alkaline.
Your skin's natural acid mantle sits at approximately pH 5.0 to 6.0. This slightly acidic barrier protects your skin from bacteria, environmental damage, and moisture loss. Every time you use a product with a significantly different pH, you disturb that barrier.
Why Most Commercial Soaps Strip Your Skin
Most commercial hand soaps and dish soaps sit at pH 7.0 to 9.0 — significantly more alkaline than your skin. Every wash strips your acid mantle, leading to dryness, irritation, and over time, damaged skin barrier function.
Our Rooted Essentials Hand Soap is formulated at pH 5.0 to 6.0 — matched to your skin's natural range. Our Dish Soap sits at pH 5.5 to 6.5. When you wash with our products, you're not fighting your skin. You're working with it.
Why Stone Surfaces Need a Neutral pH
Marble, granite, travertine, and other calcium-based stones are sensitive to acidic cleaners. Even diluted vinegar — a common 'natural' cleaning ingredient — can etch stone surfaces over time, leaving permanent dull spots.
Our All-Purpose Cleaner Stone & Marble Safe formula is buffered to pH 6.5 to 7.5, making it safe on sealed stone without sacrificing cleaning power. Our standard All-Purpose sits at pH 6.0 to 7.5 for everyday surfaces.
What This Means for You
When you use Rooted Essentials products, you're not just choosing plant-based ingredients. You're choosing formulas that are engineered to be safe for your skin, your surfaces, and your family — at every level of the chemistry.
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you." — Jeremiah 29:11
Every Rooted Essentials formula is pH-tested before it's bottled. The reading is logged on every batch. That's not just quality control — it's our commitment to you.