pH Make-Up Is Trending On TikTok And This Is Why

pH make-up is a niche beauty category that has long been garnering attention on social media and if you're clueless to what it is, read on. pH make-up refers to a category of products, usually lip wear, that appear to be one colour in the bullet but, once applied to the skin, transform into an entirely new hue. A few exciting new launches have sparked renewed interest in pH make-up and TikTok has - predictably - caught on, so much so that the hashtag #phmakeup has garnered over 48 million views and counting on the app.

pH make-up is nothing new. Avon was responsible for bringing the first iteration of pH make-up to the mass market by way of their Color Magic Lipsticks. The bullets were yellow, green and blue, and once applied to lips they transformed into apretty shade of pink.

Since then a plethora of sophisticated, modern formulas all boasting the same transformative powers of pH make-up have landed, most recently the Dior Addict Lip Glow, £30, and Tom Ford's Soleil Lip Blush, £44. And new launches have ventured beyond lips. Take Tarte's Maracuja Juicy Lip & Cheek Shift, £26,which sold out soon after going viral on TikTok.

Similarly, Lottie London's limited edition pH Colour Changing Blush and Lipstick, £5.95, were an instant crowd pleaser. Sadly, these products are now out of stock, but scroll further for alternatives.

We enlisted the help of Charlotte Knight, founder and CEO ofLottie London, who explains what all the fuss is about and how pH make-up actually works below.

Main image: TikTok @bexcxmpbell

What is pH make-up?

It's a category of products made to react to the pH of your skin, it's the reaction that develops the custom colour on application. pH is a measure of acidity and is measured on a scale of 1-14, 7 being neutral. A pH less than 7 indicates acidity and a pH more than 7 indicates alkaline.

How does pH make-up work?

Charlotte explains, 'it’s just some really clever cosmetics science at play. The product uses dye that reacts to the pH of the surface of your skin, which results in the pigment you see soon after you apply.'

Think of it as the beauty equivalent of a mood ring - the make-up is 'activated' once it is applied, then depending on the unique pH of your own skin at the moment of application it will develop accordingly, remember the pH on the surface of your skin can change throughout the day.

Are there any cons to using pH make-up?

Results can be unpredictable. It all comes down to whether you like the colour the product turns on your skin.

Shop: The Best pH Make-Up Picks To Try Now