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SODIUM SULFATE.

Valuable CAS 7727-73-3 / 7757-82-6 / BULKING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

Sodium Sulfate is an inorganic salt primarily utilized in cosmetic formulations as a viscosity-increasing agent and bulking agent. It also functions as a drying agent due to its strong affinity for water molecules, aiding in product texture and stability.

Summary

bulking viscosity controlling drying agent

Science

Mechanism of Action

As an inorganic salt, Sodium Sulfate readily dissociates into sodium and sulfate ions upon dissolving in water. This chemical property contributes to its ability to modulate the viscosity of cosmetic formulations and serve as an effective bulking agent. Its strong hygroscopic nature further allows it to absorb water, acting as a drying agent within a product.

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 6 – 9
0 7 14

Stability

Sodium Sulfate generally exhibits high stability. Its solubility in water presents a unique profile, increasing significantly between 0°C and 32.384°C, where it reaches a peak of 49.7 g/100 mL, subsequently becoming largely independent of temperature. Aqueous solutions are typically neutral (pH 7), though a 5% solution can range from pH 6.0 to 7.5 or present a typical pH of 9.0. It is soluble in water and glycerin but not in alcohol.

Conflicts

  • Sulfuric acid (forms sodium bisulfate)
  • Ba2+ or Pb2+ salts (forms insoluble sulfates)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
1%
Sensitization risk Low

The CIR Expert Panel has concluded Sodium Sulfate is safe for cosmetic use, provided formulations are non-irritating, particularly for rinse-off applications. Dermal irritation studies, even under occlusive conditions at concentrations up to 9.7%, indicated no to mild irritation. While moderate ocular irritation was observed in rabbits with a Sodium Sulfate:sodium carbonate mixture, typical cosmetic eye product concentrations (up to 0.0064%) are substantially lower, suggesting a very low risk of ocular irritation for consumers. Incidental inhalation from cosmetic products is not expected to pose adverse health effects. It is listed in the FDA's VCRP and as an inactive ingredient in FDA-approved ophthalmic drug products.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Sodium Sulfate is a safe and valuable excipient, primarily contributing to the viscosity and body of cosmetic formulations with minimal risk of skin irritation.

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