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Skincare Ingredient

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Sodium Sulfate

In Skincare: Is Sodium Sulfate Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects

Safety (overall safety)
2/5 — Low risk
Irritancy (skin irritation)
2/5 — Low risk

Safety Information

Generally low toxicity and not a known carcinogen or endocrine disruptor; may cause mild irritation/dryness in some individuals (especially at higher concentrations or on compromised skin).

Overview

Ingredient Profile

Sodium sulfate is an inorganic salt. It’s commonly found naturally in minerals called mirabilite and thenardite.
Classifications
Suspending/Dispersing Agent

Data & Research

Scientific Facts

Sodium sulfate occurs naturally as the minerals mirabilite and thenardite.

Common Uses

Formulation in Sodium Sulfate

In cosmetic formulations, sodium sulfate is used to increase the viscosity of water-based products like cleansers, bath soaps, detergents, and certain skin care preparations.

Role of Sodium Sulfate

Active Cosmetic Mechanisms

BULKING

Volume Builder

Adds 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.

VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

Thickness Regulator

Adjusts 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 Sulfate

508 formulations
Soothing & Moisture Aloe Vera Foam Cleanser
Soothing & Moisture Aloe Vera Foam Cleanser
Nature Republic · cleanser
Rosy Tinted Lip Balm
Rosy Tinted Lip Balm
Vaseline · eye-lip-care
Venus with Olay Moisturizing Shower & Shave Cream Vanilla Creme
Venus with Olay Moisturizing Shower & Shave Cream Vanilla Creme
Gillette · body-skincare
Semantic Analysis

Similar Ingredients

Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sodium Sulfate — common questions

What is Sodium Sulfate in skincare?

Sodium sulfate is an inorganic salt. It’s commonly found naturally in minerals called mirabilite and thenardite.

What does Sodium Sulfate do? / Functions of Sodium Sulfate?

Common functions: BULKING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING.

What is the comedogenic rating of Sodium Sulfate? / Is Sodium Sulfate comedogenic?

The comedogenic rating of Sodium Sulfate has not been established in our database.

Does it clog pores?
No Rating Available

Whether Sodium Sulfate clogs pores depends on the formulation and concentration.

Is Sodium Sulfate safe for skin?
2 2/5 — Low risk

Sodium Sulfate has a safety rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: Generally low toxicity and not a known carcinogen or endocrine disruptor; may cause mild irritation/dryness in some individuals (especially at higher concentrations or on compromised skin).

Is Sodium Sulfate good for sensitive skin?
2 2/5 — Low risk

Sodium Sulfate 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 Sulfate in skincare?

Known considerations: Generally low toxicity and not a known carcinogen or endocrine disruptor; may cause mild irritation/dryness in some individuals (especially at higher concentrations or on compromised skin).

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