The pure KOH compound has an appearance very similar to NaOH. Photo: ANSI.
Although consumers rarely hear its name, potassium hydroxide is present in many familiar everyday products. The soap solution in your bathroom, the chocolate bars you love and the batteries that power electronic devices all carry the imprint of this compound. It can be compared to a silent curtain operator who works behind the scenes, yet the performance cannot begin unless the stage curtain is opened.
What is KOH?
Potassium hydroxide is an inorganic compound belonging to the group of strong alkalis with the chemical formula KOH. Its international name is Potassium Hydroxide and it is commonly known as caustic potash. In its pure form, this compound appears as a white solid and is usually produced as pellets, flakes or powder. One notable characteristic of potassium hydroxide is its strong hygroscopicity. It dissolves easily in water to create a strongly alkaline solution. Its ability to absorb moisture and capture CO₂ from the air to form potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃) places KOH among highly reactive substances that require special storage conditions.
Chemically, the formula KOH shows that it is composed of a potassium cation (K⁺) and a hydroxide anion (OH⁻). When dissolved in water, potassium hydroxide completely dissociates, giving the solution a pH of 13 to 14 which is the strongest alkaline range.
In industry, KOH is mainly produced by the electrolysis of potassium chloride solution (KCl). During this process, electric current separates KCl into potassium hydroxide, hydrogen gas (H₂) and chlorine gas (Cl₂). This is not only the method used to produce KOH but also an essential foundation for various industrial sectors because the by-products obtained are valuable in oil refining, PVC manufacturing and the production of high purity hydrogen.
What is potassium hydroxide used for?
Although also known as caustic potash, potassium hydroxide is a strong base with powerful yet controllable reactivity. This explains why KOH appears in many industrial operations involving acid neutralization, pH adjustment, degradation of fats and oils which is a key mechanism in soap production and acting as a catalyst in numerous chemical reactions.
In liquid soap manufacturing
This is the most common and important application of KOH. Potassium hydroxide serves as the core of the saponification reaction and is considered almost the standard choice for producing modern liquid soaps. Specifically, it reacts with fatty oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, palm oil or fatty acids to convert these oil-based materials into potassium salts of fatty acids which become the liquid soaps we use daily including hand soap, dishwashing liquid and shower gel.
In addition to creating a smooth liquid texture that dissolves easily in water, potassium hydroxide also contributes to product stability. Soaps made with KOH tend to be more transparent, less prone to separation and have a stable pH that limits surface film formation over time. This is an important advantage for manufacturers because the product is aesthetically pleasing while maintaining quality throughout its shelf life. The flexibility in adjusting the ratio between KOH and oils also makes it easier to fine tune viscosity, foaming ability and cleaning performance for different product segments.
In the food industry
KOH is permitted for use in food under the additive code E525, provided it meets food-grade purity requirements. Thanks to its high solubility, low residue formation and good compatibility with food ingredients, KOH becomes a safe and effective choice in many processing stages. Even when used in very small amounts, it plays an important role in stabilizing structure, maintaining quality and ensuring product consistency, helping the food industry create products that are both delicious and technically standardized.
With its strong alkalinity and high purity, potassium hydroxide is commonly used to adjust pH in food formulations, helping products retain their desired color, flavor and texture. For example, in the production of cocoa, chocolate and German-style biscuits, caustic potash helps neutralize natural acids to create a darker color, rounder flavor and firmer structure.
Beyond pH adjustment, this strong alkali also functions as a surface treatment agent. Diluted solutions can soften tough outer skins and natural wax layers and remove impurities from the surface of fruits and vegetables, allowing faster processing without affecting nutritional quality. It is also used to adjust acidity or balance flavors in beverages, preventing drinks from becoming overly sharp or too acidic during storage.
In energy production and green hydrogen
With its outstanding chemical characteristics, KOH is quietly becoming a foundational component in the creation of clean energy, emission reduction and the path toward Net Zero. Although rarely seen by the public, this compound plays a crucial role in bringing the world closer to a carbon-free future.
In the clean energy sector, potassium hydroxide is a key component in the production of green hydrogen, a fuel considered the “golden piece” of the global energy transition. As a critical electrolyte in alkaline water electrolysis, KOH solution increases electrical conductivity, reduces solution resistance and enhances the efficiency of splitting water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. Its stability at high temperatures and lower corrosiveness compared to other alkalis make it an excellent choice for large-scale electrolysis systems. This process results in lower operating costs, longer equipment lifespan and easier maintenance, helping reduce the cost of green hydrogen and making it more competitive with fossil fuels. Once produced at large scale and reasonable cost, green hydrogen can replace coal, oil and natural gas in hard-to-abate industries such as steel, cement, chemicals, maritime shipping and aviation. This is a key factor for countries to advance toward the Net Zero Emission goal by 2050.
Beyond electrolysis, KOH is also used in energy storage technologies, alkaline batteries and CO₂ capture systems. In alkaline batteries, KOH improves electrochemical reaction rates, extends battery life and enhances stability. In CO₂ capture technologies, KOH acts as an absorbent that binds with carbon dioxide to form compounds that can be processed or reused.
In agriculture
In crop production, potassium hydroxide plays an important role in supplying nutrients and improving plant health. Because the potassium in KOH is in a highly available form, it is often used to adjust pH in hydroponic nutrient solutions, helping stabilize the growing environment and optimizing nutrient uptake by plant roots. The potassium content also contributes to chlorophyll formation, strengthens photosynthesis, improves plant resilience and enhances yield.
Potassium hydroxide is also an important raw material for producing liquid potassium fertilizers, which are increasingly popular thanks to their easy dilution, sprayability and high absorption efficiency. Its low tendency to form residues helps reduce clogging in drip irrigation or hydroponic systems. In some pesticide manufacturing processes, KOH serves as a neutralizing or activating agent that increases solubility of active ingredients and improves spraying effectiveness.
In addition to direct application on crops, diluted potassium alkali solutions are used for soil treatment and for cleaning agricultural tools by removing grease and limiting bacterial and fungal growth. Although the quantities used are usually small, its contributions are highly practical, supporting cultivation, plant care and crop protection, thereby improving agricultural productivity and product quality.
Other industrial applications
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Industrial cleaners: used for strong grease decomposition in oven cleaners and drain unclogging formulas.
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Biofuels: used as a catalyst in biodiesel production.
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Oil refining: removes sulfur compounds and acids from crude oil.
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Dermatology and veterinary medicine: KOH solution is used for diagnosing and treating certain skin conditions.
Is potassium hydroxide safe?
Hazards in raw material form
By nature, this is a strong alkali with high corrosiveness similar to caustic soda (NaOH). If handled improperly, KOH can pose several hazards as follows:
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It can cause burns to the skin, eyes and respiratory tract.
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It releases strong heat when reacting with water.
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It corrodes metals such as aluminum and zinc.
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It may harm the environment if it leaks into water sources.
Because of these risks, strict engineering controls are required when handling the raw material:
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Operations must be conducted in a closed system with proper ventilation.
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Emergency eyewash stations and safety showers must be available.
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KOH must be stored in a cool and dry area, away from heat sources.
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It must never be stored together with acids, flammable materials or incompatible metals.
But safe in the finished product
Although KOH is not a safe chemical when directly exposed to the skin, it can be safely used as long as the correct procedures and proper dosage are followed. When it is used as an ingredient in consumer or industrial products, it is no longer in its hazardous raw form. Safety is ensured through several key factors:
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Concentration control: In products such as cosmetics or food, potassium hydroxide is used to adjust pH levels but in very small amounts (<1 percent). This concentration strictly complies with international safety standards.
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Formulation and buffering: In the final product, KOH is part of a complex formulation. It is usually combined with other ingredients, such as buffers or surfactants, which help neutralize its harshness and stabilize the product.
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Regulatory oversight: Global organizations such as the United States FDA, the European Union REACH program, and other international standards have strict regulations on the concentration and use of KOH in food, cosmetics, and cleaning products.
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Labeling and instructions: Products must include clear ingredient labels, usage instructions, and necessary warnings to guide consumers in using them safely.
Why is the purity of KOH important?
KOH is a highly reactive chemical. Even a small amount of impurities can distort product quality, interfere with reactions, and affect the color, flavor, or durability of the final product. Purity becomes even more crucial in industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and electronics. With extensive experience and a strong reputation as a trusted chemical supplier, KPTCHEM always prioritizes quality through:
Strict quality control
High purity KOH is carefully tested to ensure consistent purity and to prevent impurities from affecting production processes.
Technical support alongside customers
We not only supply raw materials but also assist in optimizing production processes, ensuring that the final products achieve the highest performance and safety.
Conclusion
Potassium hydroxide is a strong chemical that requires serious handling when used directly. However, when applied correctly in industrial settings, it becomes the foundation for many essential products, from clean soap and quality food to high performance batteries.
High purity is the key factor that determines the efficiency, stability, and safety of any process that uses KOH. Therefore, choosing a reliable supplier becomes the basis for the success of any manufacturer. If you are looking for a high quality potassium hydroxide solution for your production line, the experts at KPTCHEM are always ready to support you.
