Sodium Trimetaphosphate
Cyclic phosphate salt. Beyond chelation, it participates in cross-linking of starches and other polysaccharide thickeners – gives the formula a more stable gel structure. More common in cleansers, peel-off masks, scrubs. Safe.
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 Trimetaphosphate (STMP, Na3P3O9) is a cyclic phosphate salt. Beyond chelation it participates in cross-linking of starches and polysaccharide thickeners, modifying gel structure. Mechanism. Binds calcium, magnesium and iron ions and prevents their catalytic effect on oxidation. In parallel it cross-links polysaccharides (starch, xanthan gum) and produces a more stable gel texture. Where applied. Face washes, peel-off masks, scrubs, toothpastes (as an antitartar agent). More common in mid-market and mass formulas. Safety. CIR confirmed safety at cosmetic concentrations. Non-sensitizing, non-comedogenic. No systemic absorption. Pregnancy and lactation – safe.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sodium Trimetaphosphate safe during pregnancy?
Sodium Trimetaphosphate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Sodium Trimetaphosphate for?
Sodium Trimetaphosphate suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Sodium Trimetaphosphate and what does it do in cosmetics?
Cyclic phosphate salt.
What's the INCI name for Sodium Trimetaphosphate?
The INCI name is Sodium Trimetaphosphate. It may also appear as: STMP, Na3P3O9.
See Sodium Trimetaphosphate 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
Other functional ingredients
Sophorolipids, Sorbeth-230 Tetraoleate, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Sorbic Acid, Butane, Dimethyl Phenylpropanol, Methylpropanediol, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate
Published: · updated: