Sodium Chloride[1][5][9] ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is mainly used as an electrolyte and viscosity modifier, especially to thicken rinse-off surfactant systems by changing micelle behavior. It can also adjust ionic strength or add crystal-based texture in scrubs and bath products.
What does Sodium Chloride[1][5][9] do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is mainly used as an electrolyte and viscosity modifier, especially to thicken rinse-off surfactant systems by changing micelle behavior. It can also adjust ionic strength or add crystal-based texture in scrubs and bath products.
Is Sodium Chloride[1][5][9] clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, this ingredient is widely accepted and has little restricted-list friction. It is generally well tolerated, though higher levels can feel drying or sting on compromised skin and around the eyes.
Is Sodium Chloride[1][5][9] sustainable?
This material is mineral-derived, abundant, and commonly obtained by mining or brine evaporation. It is inorganic, so biodegradation is not the right metric, but normal cosmetic use has low persistence concern, while concentrated discharge can raise local salinity.
Is Sodium Chloride[1][5][9] COSMOS-approved?
It is permitted in COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic products when it meets the standard’s purity and processing requirements. Its Green Chemistry profile is straightforward: simple mineral sourcing, water compatibility, low transformation needs, and no reliance on petrochemical synthesis.
How does Sodium Chloride[1][5][9] work chemically?
The molecule is a simple crystalline electrolyte made of paired monovalent ions, and in water it fully dissociates to raise ionic strength. In surfactant cleansers it is often used around 0.5% to 3%, with overuse thinning some systems after the viscosity peak and potentially reducing mildness.
Last updated 2026-05-15