E525
Potassium hydroxide
What the research shows
PrototypeNot enough
published research on this page yet
1 health finding on this page so far · See the findings
A white solid also called caustic potash.
It is used to make soft and liquid soaps.
Written from English Wikipedia1
- Vegan
- Vegetarian
- EU permitted
What research says
Studies in people
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Concern
Harm from a supplement2
A person was poisoned after eating potassium hydroxide used as a nutrient in a supplement.
The signal at the top counts the findings in people and in animal and lab studies. A concern in studies of people outranks animal and lab studies, and “No concerns” needs at least two findings in people. Findings whose study type is not stated are shown but not counted. This page is a reference, not medical advice. It describes what regulators and published research say. Talk to a doctor or dietitian about your own diet.
Regulatory status
Checked Sep 2026-
United States Permitted FDA 21 CFR 184.1631
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European Union Permitted EUR-Lex Reg. (EC) 1333/2008
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United Kingdom Permitted FSA retained EU law
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Canada Permitted Health Canada · Adjusting Agents
Status reflects the named register on the date checked. It is not a safety rating.
How we checkProducts
The 6 most-scanned of 530 products on Open Food Facts that list potassium hydroxide.
- Fine Dark Cocoa Powder Dr. Oetker · 190 g 2 additives
- Cocoa Dr. Oetker · 100 g 2 additives
- Original nutrition shake Ensure · 237 ml 5 additives
- Alkaline Ionized Hydration Member's Mark 0 additives
- Cacao Dr. Oetker · 50 grame 2 additives
- Cocoa Asda · 250 g 2 additives
References
- 1Potassium hydroxide. Wikipedia. Accessed September 26, 2026.
- 2Zovi A, Ferrara F. Is Potassium Hydroxide Safe as a Source of Nutrient in Food Supplements? An Expert Opinion. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2025;95(2):31370. doi:10.31083/IJVNR31370