Sodium Sulfite
Formula antioxidant protecting sensitive components from oxidation. Functional formulation ingredient with no standalone activity on the skin.
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
About this ingredient
Sodium Sulfite (Na2SO3) is an inorganic salt of sulfurous acid. In cosmetics it serves as a formula antioxidant: scavenges oxygen and protects sensitive components from oxidation. Mechanism. A reducing agent that donates electrons and converts to sulfate. Protects vitamin C, retinoids, botanical extracts and oils from darkening and loss of activity during storage. Where applied. Antioxidant serums, oil-rich formulas, hair dyes, permanent-wave products. Skincare concentration is a fraction of a percent. Safety. CIR confirmed safety at cosmetic concentrations. A small fraction of patients with asthma and sulfite allergies may show hypersensitivity – they should avoid products with sulfites. Pregnancy and lactation – safe at usual cosmetic concentrations.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sodium Sulfite safe during pregnancy?
Sodium Sulfite is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What is Sodium Sulfite and what does it do in cosmetics?
Formula antioxidant protecting sensitive components from oxidation.
What's the INCI name for Sodium Sulfite?
The INCI name is Sodium Sulfite.
See Sodium Sulfite 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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