Sodium Phytate
Sodium salt of phytic acid. A chelator that binds heavy-metal ions (iron, copper, calcium), preventing oxidation of formula components and extending shelf life. No standalone active skin effect.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Sodium Phytate is the sodium salt of phytic acid (myo-inositol hexaphosphate). A natural chelator obtained from bran and other plant sources. Biodegradable alternative to EDTA. Mechanism. Binds heavy-metal ions (iron, copper, zinc) and calcium in the formula. Without a chelator these ions catalyse oxidation of oils, retinoids and vitamin C, precipitate anionic surfactants and darken emulsions. Sodium phytate fits clean formulations because it fully biodegrades. Where applied. Antioxidant serums, oil-rich emulsions, creams with oxidation-sensitive actives. In Spain it features in clean formulas by Freshly Cosmetics and Babé Laboratorios. Evidence base. Marketing positioning as a brightening active (in vitro melanogenesis suppression) is not confirmed by clinical studies at typical cosmetic concentrations. Safety. CIR confirmed safety at cosmetic concentrations. Non-sensitizing, non-comedogenic. No systemic absorption. Pregnancy and lactation – safe.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sodium Phytate safe during pregnancy?
Sodium Phytate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Sodium Phytate for?
Sodium Phytate suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Sodium Phytate and what does it do in cosmetics?
Sodium salt of phytic acid.
What's the INCI name for Sodium Phytate?
The INCI name is Sodium Phytate. It may also appear as: Phytate.
See Sodium Phytate in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
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