Buffered adhesive compositions comprising a high molecular weight polymeric buffer and products such as wound dressings and ostomy skin barriers incorporating the compositions. Use of high molecular weight polymers that are rich in acidic sites. Polymers with polyacid unctionality can serve as buffers through the use of mixtures of their protonated and neutralized forms. A wound dressing that includes a flexible outer layer and a high molecular weight polymeric buffering adhesive applied to one side thereof, said adhesive providing pH buffering and fluid absorption with minimal irritation to a wearer's skin. An ostomy skin barrier that includes a high molecular weight polymeric buffering adhesive applied to one side thereof, said adhesive composition providing pH buffering and fluid absorption with minimal irritation to a wearer's skin.
