Sodium Salicylate
A salt of salicylic acid. It works as a mild preservative and holds back microbial growth. Well tolerated at cosmetic levels.
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 Salicylate (INCI: Sodium Salicylate) is the salt of salicylic acid. In a formula it acts as a mild preservative and multifunctional agent: it slows the growth of bacteria and fungi and helps protect the product, often alongside other preservatives. This is a functional preservation ingredient, not an exfoliating active. At preservative doses and pH it does not provide the keratolytic effect of free salicylic acid; its role is to keep the formula stable and safe. At cosmetic preservative levels systemic exposure is minimal, so it can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Unlike salicylates in high therapeutic doses, there is no reason for restriction here. Tolerance is good. Irritation and allergy potential are low, suitable for sensitive skin. It is worth keeping in mind the rare cross-sensitivity to salicylates in already sensitized people.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sodium Salicylate safe during pregnancy?
Sodium Salicylate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Sodium Salicylate for?
Sodium Salicylate suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Sodium Salicylate and what does it do in cosmetics?
A salt of salicylic acid.
What's the INCI name for Sodium Salicylate?
The INCI name is Sodium Salicylate.
See Sodium Salicylate 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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