Skincare Ingredient
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Sodium Chloride
In Skincare: Is Sodium Chloride Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects
Safety Information
Quick Insights
At a glance
- 01
Sodium chloride, commonly known as table salt, is a familiar substance found in many households.
- 02
In cosmetics, sodium chloride serves as a binding agent and thickener, and may occasionally be used for its mild abrasive properties.
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Sodium chloride appears as a white, crystalline solid at room temperature.
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers sodium chloride as a substance Generally Recognized as Safe.
Overview
Ingredient Profile
Data & Research
Scientific Facts
Common Uses
Formulation in Sodium Chloride
Role of Sodium Chloride
Active Cosmetic Mechanisms
BULKING
Volume BuilderAdds volume and body without adding weight
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Bulking agents increase product volume while maintaining low density. These include low-density powders (hollow microspheres, perlite, expanded polymers), aerogels, and materials with high specific volume. Mechanism involves entrapping air within particle structures or creating open, porous networks. In hair products, bulking agents coat individual strands, increasing diameter and creating space between hairs.
FRAGRANCE
Scent ProviderAdds pleasant scent to cosmetic products
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Fragrance ingredients provide aromatic appeal through essential oils, aroma chemicals, and natural extracts. These volatile compounds interact with olfactory receptors creating scent perception. Fragrance design considers top notes (high volatility), middle notes (moderate volatility), and base notes (low volatility) for scent development over time. Must consider stability, allergen content, and regulatory compliance.
ORAL CARE
Dental Health AgentMaintains or improves oral hygiene and dental health
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Oral care ingredients support dental health through fluoride compounds (stannous fluoride, sodium fluoride for remineralization), antimicrobials (triclosan, CPC), abrasives (silica for cleaning), and desensitizing agents (potassium nitrate, strontium chloride). Mechanisms include strengthening enamel through fluorapatite formation, reducing bacteria, removing stains, and blocking dentinal tubules. Must meet specific efficacy and safety standards.
VISCOSITY CONTROLLING
Thickness RegulatorAdjusts product thickness and flow properties
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Viscosity controlling ingredients modify product flow characteristics through thickening or thinning. Thickeners include natural gums (xanthan, guar), synthetic polymers (carbomers, acrylates), and inorganic thickeners (silica, clays). Mechanism varies: polymer chain entanglement, hydrogen bonding networks, particle association, or swelling. Rheology modifiers create desired texture, prevent separation, control application properties, and affect sensory perception. Can produce Newtonian (constant viscosity) or non-Newtonian (shear-thinning, thixotropic) flow behavior.
Products
containing Sodium Chloride
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References
Scientific sources
Cell Metabolism, March 2015, pages 493-501
Journal of the Mexican Chemical Society, June 2012
Journal of the University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, February 2007, pages 187-194
Similar Ingredients
Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sodium Chloride — common questions
What is Sodium Chloride in skincare?
Sodium chloride, commonly known as table salt, is a white crystalline mineral. In cosmetics and personal care products, it’s used as a component in various formulations including oral hygiene items, shampoos, fragrances, skin and hair products, nail care products, cleansers, sunscreens, makeup, and bath products.
What does Sodium Chloride do? / Functions of Sodium Chloride?
Common functions: BULKING, FRAGRANCE, ORAL CARE, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING.
What is the comedogenic rating of Sodium Chloride? / Is Sodium Chloride comedogenic?
Sodium Chloride has a comedogenic rating of 4 out of 5. This ingredient appears to be comedogenic. A rating of 4 means it has high pore-clogging potential.
Does it clog pores?
This ingredient appears to be comedogenic (rating 4/5).
Is Sodium Chloride safe for skin?
Sodium Chloride has a safety rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: Overuse in formulations may exacerbate dryness or sensitivity, particularly in individuals with eczema or other barrier-compromised skin conditions. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel h
Is Sodium Chloride good for sensitive skin?
Sodium Chloride has an irritancy rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally well-tolerated.
What are the side effects of Sodium Chloride in skincare?
Known considerations: Overuse in formulations may exacerbate dryness or sensitivity, particularly in individuals with eczema or other barrier-compromised skin conditions. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has concluded that Sodium Chloride is safe in the present practices of use. Additional risks: potential pore-clogging (comedogenic rating 4/5).