Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate
A chelating salt. It binds metal ions and supports formula stability, with no skin effect at low 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
Tetrasodium pyrophosphate (INCI: Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate) is a salt that acts as a chelator. Its function is to trap metal ions that speed up oxidation and destabilize the formula, which improves preservation and holds color and texture. It also helps the performance of soaps and toothpastes. At use doses it does not act on the skin. This is a functional component, not a skincare active. It does not hydrate or treat the skin; its job is to guard the product's stability behind the scenes. Cosmetic effectiveness lives in the actives, not in this chelator. For topical use there is no relevant systemic risk. It can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Tolerance is good, with low irritation and allergy potential. It is non-comedogenic. At usual chelating concentrations it does not dry the skin or disturb the barrier.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate safe during pregnancy?
Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate for?
Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate and what does it do in cosmetics?
A chelating salt.
What's the INCI name for Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate?
The INCI name is Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate.
See Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate 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
Thiamine Diphosphate, Thiolactic Acid, Tin Oxide, Toluene, Carmine, Glyceryl Oleate Citrate, PEG-100 Stearate, PPG-5 Pentaerythrityl Ether
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