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SODIUM BOROHYDRIDE.

Avoid CAS 16940-66-2 / ANTIOXIDANT, BULKING, SKIN CONDITIONING

Sodium Borohydride is a powerful inorganic reducing agent primarily employed in industrial chemical processes and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Despite its theoretical listing for antioxidant properties in cosmetic applications, its severe inherent hazards and explicit warnings against direct skin contact render it fundamentally unsuitable for skincare formulations.

Summary

Antioxidant Bulking Agent Skin Conditioning Agent

Science

Mechanism of Action

Acting as a robust reducing agent, Sodium Borohydride functions by donating hydride ions. This property could theoretically contribute to antioxidant activity within a formulation by preventing oxygen-promoted reactions and subsequent ingredient deterioration. In organic chemistry, it is widely recognized for its ability to reduce aldehydes and ketones into their respective alcohol counterparts. Additionally, it has been listed as a bulking agent and a skin conditioning agent in a cosmetic context.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

No data suggests common dusting in skincare applications; its hazardous nature precludes direct skin contact in formulations.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 14 – 14
0 7 14

Stability

Sodium Borohydride rapidly decomposes in neutral or acidic aqueous solutions, achieving stability only at an extremely high pH of approximately 14.0. Aqueous solutions are most stable when containing small amounts of sodium hydroxide (e.g., 0.2% in a 44% solution), allowing for stability over several days. Lower pH levels cause it to react violently and exothermically with water, generating flammable hydrogen gas. It is also highly hygroscopic, readily absorbing atmospheric moisture and deliquescing.

Conflicts

  • water (reacts violently)
  • acids
  • alcohols (reacts slowly)
  • oxidizing agents
  • carbon dioxide
  • hydrogen halides
  • palladium
  • ruthenium
  • other metal salts
  • glass

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Pregnancy
Caution
Sensitization risk High

Classified as highly hazardous, Sodium Borohydride causes severe skin burns and eye damage, and is toxic if swallowed. It may also damage fertility or the unborn child. It reacts violently with water, releasing flammable gases that may ignite spontaneously. Product safety sheets explicitly state, 'Do not use for products which come into direct contact with the skin'.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy High
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

Due to its classification as highly hazardous, causing severe skin burns and potential reproductive harm, and the explicit safety directive against direct skin contact, Sodium Borohydride is unequivocally unsuitable for cosmetic formulations.

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