Snapshot
- Overview
- An antioxidant that helps prevent products from oxidizing over time.
- Category
- Antioxidant, Preservative
- Type
- Antioxidant
Sodium Sulfite
Sodium Sulfite is an inorganic reducing agent and the sodium salt of sulfurous acid, readily soluble in water. In cosmetics it acts as an antioxidant preservative and oxygen scavenger to limit oxidation and maintain product quality.
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Our take
Is Sodium Sulfite a Good Ingredient?
It rates Fair: it functions well as an antioxidant and reducing agent that protects formulas, but it provides minimal direct skin benefit and carries irritation or sensitization risk for some individuals, including those sensitive to sulfites.
What it does
Skin Benefits
It helps products stay fresh longer by slowing oxidative changes, preserving look and scent, but offers little direct skin improvement beyond maintaining formula stability.
Where you'll find it
Uses in Skincare & Cosmetics
It's used in serums, essences, creams, and hair treatments where color or fragrance stability matters.
Before you use it
Safety
It can cause irritation or sensitivity in some users, and sulfite-sensitive individuals, including certain asthmatics, may react even at low levels. It's typically used at low concentrations; avoid use on broken or highly reactive skin.
Products with Sodium Sulfite
