Why is pH significant in the formulation of commercial products?

pH is significant in the formulation of commercial products primarily because it affects stability, efficacy, and customer preference. In many formulations, especially in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food products, the pH level can influence how ingredients interact with each other, which can ultimately affect the product's stability over time. For instance, certain active ingredients may be more effective at specific pH levels, so maintaining the correct pH is crucial to ensure they work as intended.

Moreover, customer preference plays a role as well; many consumers have preferences regarding the feel or performance of products that can be linked to pH. For example, skin care products formulated with a pH similar to that of human skin (around 5.5) may be preferred as they are less likely to cause irritation.

The other options do not capture the full scope of pH's importance in formulation. While pH can influence color, it is not its primary significance. Similarly, while it may have some indirect relation to the cost of ingredients, it does not directly determine their pricing. Finally, pH is far from irrelevant; it is a critical factor in the successful formulation of many commercial products.