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Moumoujus

SODIUM NITRITE.

Questionable CAS 7632-00-0 / ANTICORROSIVE

Sodium Nitrite, an inorganic salt, is incorporated into cosmetic formulations primarily for its anticorrosive properties. While it generates nitric oxide (NO) with potential benefits for vasodilation and wound healing, its use in skincare is strictly regulated to a maximum concentration of 0.2% due to significant safety considerations.

Summary

anticorrosive

Science

Mechanism of Action

On the skin, Sodium Nitrite generates nitric oxide (NO), particularly in tissues characterized by low oxygen tension and reduced pH. This localized NO can promote vasodilation and may contribute to wound healing by stimulating extracellular matrix production, modulating immune responses, and enhancing keratinocyte proliferation. Additionally, it functions as an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals to help delay lipid peroxidation. However, the relevance of these specific benefits at the extremely low concentrations permitted in cosmetic products (max 0.2%) is not clinically established.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range 6–6%
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 9 – 9
0 7 14

Stability

Sodium Nitrite is hygroscopic, readily absorbing moisture from the air, which can lead to caking. Its aqueous solutions are alkaline, typically with a pH around 9. This alkaline environment is optimal for its performance as a corrosion inhibitor, with stability significantly decreasing below pH 6.

Conflicts

  • Strong acids (e.g., hydrochloric, sulfuric, nitric acids), which can generate toxic nitrogen dioxide gas.
  • Ammonium compounds, leading to spontaneous decomposition.
  • Oxidizing agents (e.g., perchlorates, peroxides, permanganates, chlorates, nitrates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine).
  • Reducing agents (e.g., phosphorus, tin(II) chloride, lithium, sodium, aluminum, hydrides).
  • Amines (especially secondary and tertiary amines), due to the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines.
  • Cellulose.
  • Chemically active metals (e.g., potassium, magnesium, zinc).
  • Metals and metal salts.
  • Acetanilide, Antipyrine, Hypophosphites, Iodides, Mercury salts, Sulfites, Tannic acid.
  • Vegetable astringent decoctions, infusions, or tinctures.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Max tested
0.2%
Sensitization risk Unknown

The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has approved Sodium Nitrite with strict restrictions under Annex III of the EC Cosmetics Regulation. Its use is limited to a rust inhibitor at a maximum concentration of 0.2%. Formulations containing Sodium Nitrite must not be used in conjunction with secondary and/or tertiary amines or other substances capable of forming nitrosamines, as the FDA has expressed concerns regarding nitrosamine contamination in cosmetics. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has not assessed this ingredient.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Questionable

Sodium Nitrite's utility in precision skincare is questionable due to severe regulatory restrictions (max 0.2% as anticorrosive), critical safety concerns regarding nitrosamine formation, and the lack of clinical evidence for general skincare benefits at permissible concentrations.

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