EWG Safety Score
What Is Sodium Sulfite?
Sodium sulfite is a reducing agent that alters the structure of hair. It can also be used as a preservative in cosmetic formulations. If used in high concentration, there’s potential for sodium sulfite to sensitize skin, but in lower amounts this is a non-issue.
How widely it's used
Regulatory information
Standardised cosmetic-ingredient identifiers used by regulators.
Show identifiers
- INCI Name
- SODIUM SULFITE
- EC Number
- 231-821-4
- Pharmacopoeia Name
- natrii sulfis
- Function
- Hair Waving Or Straightening, Preservative
From the Clinic
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Benzoyl Peroxide
The acne eliminator
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Versatile polymer widely used in skin care and makeup | Aids texture and helps stabilise formulas
Kojic Acid
A fungal-derived brightener with a stability problem
Potassium Sorbate
Used as a preservative in cosmetics | Also used in food to prohibit the growth of yeast and mold
Salicylic Acid
The oil-soluble acid that works inside the pore
Sodium Levulinate
Salt of levulinic acid | Levulinic acid helps condition and soften skin
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