Sodium Chloride
Reviewed by Daisy · Last updated 18 Aug 2026
More popularly known as common table salt | Functions as a binding agent, thickener, and occasionally an abrasive in cosmetics
EWG Safety Score
What Is Sodium Chloride?
Sodium chloride is more popularly known as common table salt. It is used primarily as a binding and/or thickening agent in skin and hair care products (notably shampoos) and occasionally as an abrasive in salt scrub products. In its raw form it is a white, crystalline solid.
Regarding its most common use as a thickening agent, here are some fun facts: Salt is commonly used to thicken the water (also known as aqueous) phase of shampoos, body washes, and non-soap facial cleansers. It's an inexpensive and highly effective, versatile ingredient included in numerous types of cosmetics.
Despite pure salt's potential to dehydrate skin, the amounts used in skin care and other ingredients present eliminate this issue. As such, sodium chloride is widely considered non-irritating and non-drying as used in cosmetics.
The United States Food and Drug Administration has put sodium chloride on its list of substances considered Generally Recognized as Safe. In fact, there aren't any restrictions on how much of it can be used in cosmetics, though clearly it isn't being used anywhere near a 100% concentration!
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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Cell Metabolism, March 2015, pages 493-501 [URL_NOT_FOUND]
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Journal of the Mexican Chemical Society, June 2012 [URL_NOT_FOUND]
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Journal of the University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, February 2007, pages 187-194 [URL_NOT_FOUND]
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http://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient/sodium-chloride-0 [http://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient/sodium-chloride-0]
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https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182&showFR=1 [https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182&showFR=1]
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Sodium Chloride is a variant of Calcium Chloride, the form you will most often see on an ingredients list.
Inorganic salt compound of calcium + chlorine
Related Ingredients
Calcium Chloride
Inorganic salt compound of calcium + chlorine
Sea Salt
Effective as a topical scrub | Can increase the risk of a sensitized reaction if left on skin
7-Dehydrocholesterol
A cholesterol precursor that supports skin's natural vitamin D synthesis pathway
Acacia Senegal Gum
Functions as a thickening agent, emulsifier, or stabiliser
Acacia Senegal Gum Extract
A plant-derived thickener that stabilises formulations and maintains product texture
Acetylated Hydrogenated Cottonseed Glyceride
Provides Hydration
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