Sodium Metabisulfite

Product Overview

Sodium Metabisulfite is a multifunctional inorganic salt commonly used in cosmetic and personal care formulations as an antioxidant, reducing agent, and formulation stabilizer. Valued for its ability to help protect sensitive ingredients from oxidation and discoloration, this ingredient is frequently incorporated into water-based systems where maintaining product integrity and appearance is important.

In cosmetic formulation, Sodium Metabisulfite helps improve stability in select formulations while supporting overall product performance during manufacturing and shelf life. Its versatility and functional compatibility make it a useful processing aid in a variety of cosmetic applications.

Key Benefits & Cosmetic Applications

Sodium Metabisulfite is used by formulators for its antioxidant and reducing properties, especially in water-based systems where oxidation control and formula stability are important.

• Oxidation Control: Reduces oxidation in compatible cosmetic formulations.
• Color & Formula Stability: Supports the appearance and stability of formulations containing oxidation-sensitive ingredients.
• Reducing Agent Functionality: Functions as a reducing agent in compatible cosmetic systems.
• Water-Based Compatibility: Water-soluble and easy to incorporate into aqueous formulations.
• Ingredient Protection: Useful in formulations containing ingredients that are sensitive to oxidation or discoloration.

Common Applications

• Creams and lotions
• Serums
• Cleansers
• Sunless tanning formulations containing Dihydroxyactone (DHA)
• Hair care formulations
• Professional-use cosmetic systems
• Water-based formulations requiring oxidation control

Technical Profile & Specifications

Formulation & Processing Guidelines

How to Incorporate

• Sodium Metabisulfite is generally incorporated into the water phase due to its water solubility.
• Ensure complete dissolution before combining with other phases for optimal distribution throughout the formulation.
• Use in formulations where oxidation control, color stability, or ingredient protection are important considerations.

Compatibility

• Because Sodium Metabisulfite functions as a reducing agent, compatibility testing is recommended when used alongside highly reactive materials or oxidizing ingredients.
• Additional evaluation may be needed in complex systems containing oxidation-sensitive actives, colorants, or fragrance components.
• Proper formulation testing is advised to determine ideal usage levels and long-term stability within the finished product.

Formulation Tips

• Pre-dissolve in water to ensure even distribution throughout the formulation.
• Evaluate final formula stability, appearance, and odor over time when using reducing agents.
• Confirm compatibility with the full formulation system before scaling or commercial production.

Suggested Applications

• Sunless tanning formulations, especially where Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is present
• Water-based serums
• Creams and lotions
• Cleansers
• Hair care formulations
• Professional-use cosmetic systems
• Formulations requiring oxidation control

Note: Where specific compatibility data is not provided, formulators should conduct stability and compatibility testing during development.

Sustainability & Ethical Profile

Sodium Metabisulfite is an inorganic cosmetic ingredient valued for its antioxidant and reducing properties, making it a useful formulation aid for improving product stability in select cosmetic systems.

In alignment with Crafting Cosmetics sourcing standards, this ingredient is vegan-friendly and cruelty-free.

Regulatory & Safety Disclaimer

Disclaimer: This product is supplied as a cosmetic raw material for external use only. It is intended for cosmetic and personal care formulation applications only and should not be used as a finished product.

Technical Documentation

• Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
• Specification Sheet (SPEC)
• Technical Data Sheet (TDS)