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Moumoujus

SODIUM HYDROSULFITE.

Questionable CAS 7775-14-6 / REDUCING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

Sodium Hydrosulfite is a potent reducing agent that functions by donating electrons or adding hydrogen to other substances. While it possesses antioxidant properties, its inherent chemical instability in aqueous solutions and potential safety concerns related to its degradation products significantly limit its utility in sophisticated skincare formulations.

Summary

reducing viscosity controlling

Science

Mechanism of Action

This compound acts as a powerful reducing agent on the skin, facilitating chemical changes by either donating electrons or adding hydrogen to other molecules. It can also serve as an antioxidant, primarily noted in hair treatment processes, and may function as a decolorizing or sulfonating agent. In aqueous environments, especially under acidic conditions or in the presence of moisture and oxygen, it readily decomposes into various sulfite species and hydrogen sulfate, potentially liberating sulfur dioxide.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Sodium Hydrosulfite is stable in its dry form. However, its aqueous solutions are highly unstable and prone to rapid deterioration, particularly in hot water and acidic environments. Its decomposition rate intensifies with increasing acidity, leading to the formation of other sulfite species and potential sulfur dioxide gas release. This instability is a major challenge for cosmetic formulation, as the compound is sensitive to both moisture and air.

Conflicts

  • strong oxidizing agents (e.g., hydrogen peroxide, sodium chlorite, sodium hypochlorite)
  • acids
  • water (due to decomposition and gas release)
  • air (moisture and air sensitive)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Insufficient data
Sensitization risk High

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has not directly assessed Sodium Hydrosulfite. However, related sulfite ingredients underwent re-evaluation due to increased usage and reports of contact sensitization, enhanced asthmatic responses, and mutagenic effects, raising significant safety concerns. Sodium Hydrosulfite is chemically unstable under physiological conditions, degrading into these related sulfite species, which necessitates considering the toxicological data for these decomposition products. There is no specific FDA status for Sodium Hydrosulfite in cosmetic applications.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Questionable

Due to its significant chemical instability in aqueous solutions and the re-opened safety concerns regarding its decomposition products, Sodium Hydrosulfite is a questionable ingredient for precision skincare formulations.

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