Sodium Metabisulphite is an inorganic sodium salt having hydrogensulfite as the counterion.
Sodium Metabisulphite has a role as a mutagen and an allergen.
Sodium Metabisulphite is an inorganic sodium salt and a sulfite salt.
CAS Number: 7631-90-5
Molecular Formula: HNaO3S
Molecular Weight: 104.06
EINECS Number: 231-548-0
Synonyms: SODIUM METABISULFITE, 7681-57-4, sodium pyrosulfite, sodium disulfite, disodium metabisulfite, sodium pyrosulphite, sodium bisulfite anhydrous, sodium disulfite (disodium disulphite), disulfurous acid disodium salt, pyrosulfurous acid disodium salt, sodium pyrosulfite (Na2S2O5), Na2S2O5, E223, INS 223, sodium metabisulfite (E 223), sodium metabisulfite (food additive), Campden tablets, natrium metabisulfit, natri pyrosulfit, natriumbisulfit, natrium metabisulfurosum, sodium metabisulfite NF, sodium metabisulfite FCC, sodium metabisulfite ACS reagent, sodium metabisulfite JP17, sodium metabisulfite EP monograph, sodium metabisulfite USP-RS, sodium metabisulfite WHO-DD, sodium metabisulfite (technical grade), sodium metabisulfite SO2 58.5%, Na2O5S2, EINECS 231-673-0, EC 231-673-0, CHEBI:114786, DTXSID0029684, DTXCID30820076, UNII-4VON5FNS3C, HSDB 378, CCRIS 3951, NSC 158277, NSC 227243, SCHEMBL8342, RefChem:6239, SULFUROUS ACID MONOSODIUM SALT;SODIUM ACID SULFITE;SODIUM BISULFITE;SODIUM BISULFITE, META;monosodium sulfite;NATRII METABISULFIS;SODIUM SULFITE ANH;SODIUM HYDROSULPHITE (HYDROUS)
Sodium Metabisulphite contains a hydrogensulfite.
Sodium Metabisulphite is a very mild, amino acid-based anionic surfactant derived from natural raw materials (coconut/palm oil and glutamic acid).
Sodium Metabisulphite is used in personal care products for its excellent cleansing and foaming abilities while providing a soft, skin-conditioning feel.
Sodium Metabisulphite is biodegradable, non-irritating, and popular in natural/sensitive skin products.
Sodium Metabisulphite is a mild anionic surfactant made from lauric acid (a fatty acid, usually from coconut or palm oil) and glutamic acid (an amino acid), converted into its sodium salt form.
It is widely used in cosmetics and personal care products as a gentle cleansing and foaming agent.
Sodium Metabisulphite belongs to the group of amino acid–based surfactants.
Chemically, it is the sodium salt of lauroyl glutamic acid, with a structure that combines a hydrophobic fatty acid chain (C12 lauroyl group) and a hydrophilic amino acid head (glutamate).
This gives it amphiphilic (water- and oil-loving) properties.
This enables cleansing and emulsification.
Physically, it appears as a white to off-white powder or granules, or sometimes as an aqueous solution in formulations.
It disperses well in water and produces mild foam.
Sodium Metabisulphite is odorless or nearly odorless.
It provides cleansing action, helping remove oils, dirt, and impurities from skin and hair.
Sodium Metabisulphite works by reducing surface tension in water.
This improves cleaning efficiency.
Sodium Metabisulphite has mild foaming properties, producing a creamy, soft foam rather than harsh bubbles.
This improves sensory feel during use.
This enhances user experience.
Sodium Metabisulphite is known for being very mild and skin-friendly, causing less irritation compared to stronger surfactants like SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate).
It is often used in sensitive skin products.
This improves tolerability.
Sodium Metabisulphite shows good biodegradability, as it is derived from naturally occurring amino acids and fatty acids.
It breaks down relatively easily in the environment.
This improves environmental profile.
It is compatible with other surfactants, including amphoteric and nonionic types.
This allows flexible formulation design.
This improves product performance.
Sodium Metabisulphite is best described as a mild, amino acid–derived surfactant used for gentle cleansing, foaming, and emulsifying in cosmetic and personal care products, especially those designed for sensitive skin.
Sodium Metabisulphite also has excellent compatibility with damaged or sensitive skin conditions, such as dryness or barrier impairment.
Sodium Metabisulphite cleans without significantly worsening transepidermal water loss.
This supports skin recovery.
Sodium Metabisulphite has low defatting effect, meaning it removes less of the skin’s natural oils compared to stronger anionic surfactants.
This helps prevent post-wash tightness.
This improves skin comfort.
Sodium Metabisulphite can function as a foam booster and stabilizer in multi-surfactant systems.
It improves foam consistency when combined with other mild agents.
This enhances product texture.
Sodium Metabisulphite contributes to a soft after-feel (“conditioning feel”) after rinsing.
This leaves skin smoother rather than squeaky or dry.
Sodium Metabisulphite is widely used in “clean beauty” formulations, where mildness and skin-friendly ingredient profiles are emphasized.
Melting point: 150 °C
Density: 1.48
vapor pressure: 40 hPa (20 °C)
storage temp.: Store at RT.
solubility: 300 g/L
form: Powder/Solid
Specific Gravity: 1.48
color: White
pH: 4.5 (20°C in H2O)
Odor: Slight odor of sulfur dioxide
Water Solubility: 300 g/L
Merck: 13,8660
Stability: Stable. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, strong acids
Cosmetics Ingredients Functions: PRESERVATIVE; REDUCING; HAIR WAVING OR STRAIGHTENING; ANTIOXIDANT
InChI: 1S/Na.H2O3S/c;1-4(2)3/h;(H2,1,2,3)/q+1;/p-2
InChIKey: DWAQJAXMDSEUJJ-UHFFFAOYSA-M
SMILES: [Na+].OS([O-])=O
Sodium Metabisulphite or sodium hydrogen sulfite, NaHS03 is white crystals or crystalline powder that has a slight sulfurous odor and taste.Specific gravity 1.48.
Sodium Metabisulphite is soluble in water,insoluble in alcohol,unstable in air,and non-combustible.
Derived by saturating sodium carbonate solution with sulfur dioxide and the solution crystallized.
Sodium Metabisulphite is used as a chemical(sodium salts, cream of tartar), in vat dye preparation, textiles (antichlor, mordant, discharge), food preservative, bleaching groundwood, wool,etc., reducing agent, fermentation, antiseptic, cask sterilization (brewing), copper and brass plating,color preservative for pale crepe rubber, wood pulp digestion, analytical reagent,and as a dietary supplement.
Sodium Metabisulphite also shows excellent skin compatibility, meaning it cleans without strongly disrupting the skin’s natural lipid barrier.
This helps maintain hydration after washing.
Sodium Metabisulphite has low eye irritation potential, which is why it is often used in “no-tears” formulas for shampoos and baby products.
It reduces stinging compared to harsher surfactants.
This improves safety in sensitive applications.
Sodium Metabisulphite produces a fine, creamy foam structure, rather than large, unstable bubbles.
This foam is perceived as soft and luxurious.
This improves sensory experience.
Sodium Metabisulphite has good rinseability, meaning it washes off easily without leaving residue or a tight feeling on the skin.
This helps avoid build-up.
This improves user comfort.
Sodium Metabisulphite shows strong mildness synergy with other surfactants, especially betaines and nonionic surfactants.
Sodium Metabisulphite helps reduce overall formulation harshness.
This improves product gentleness.
Sodium Metabisulphite is commonly used in sulfate-free formulations, replacing or reducing stronger cleansing agents like SLS/SLES.
This supports “gentle cleansing” product lines.
This improves formulation positioning.
Sodium Metabisulphite is stable across typical cosmetic pH ranges (slightly acidic to neutral), which aligns with skin physiology.
This helps maintain compatibility with the skin.
This improves formulation performance.
Sodium Metabisulphite is highly biodegradable, breaking down into naturally occurring components like amino acids and fatty acid derivatives.
This reduces environmental impact compared to many synthetic surfactants.
This improves sustainability.
Sodium Metabisulphite is often used in high-end skincare formulations, where mildness and skin feel are prioritized over strong detergency.
Sodium Metabisulphite contributes to premium product positioning.
Sodium Metabisulphite is a very mild, amino acid–based surfactant with gentle cleansing, foaming, conditioning, and low-irritation properties, widely used in modern skincare, haircare, and sensitive hygiene formulations.
Sodium Metabisulphite performs well in facial cleansing systems, including gels, foams, and micellar-type cleansers.
It helps remove sebum and makeup gently.
This improves cleansing efficiency.
Sodium Metabisulphite is suitable for baby care formulations, due to its low irritation and gentle cleansing profile.
It is used in shampoos and body washes for infants.
This improves safety profile.
Sodium Metabisulphite is often included in haircare products for sensitive scalp or chemically treated hair.
It reduces scalp irritation while maintaining cleansing performance.
This improves haircare comfort.
Sodium Metabisulphite is compatible with humectants and conditioning agents like glycerin, panthenol, and amino acids.
This allows multifunctional skincare formulations.
Sodium Metabisulphite is a highly mild, biodegradable surfactant with gentle cleansing, low irritation, good foaming, and strong skin compatibility, widely used in modern skincare, haircare, and sensitive personal care systems.
Uses Of Sodium Metabisulphite:
Sodium Metabisulphite is used as reducing agent, food preservatives and bleach.
Sodium Metabisulphite is used for the bleaching of cotton fabric and organic substance.
Sodium Metabisulphite is used as reducing agents in dyes, paper, leather, chemical synthesis and other industries.
Sodium Metabisulphite is used for the production of analgin and aminopyrine intermediates in pharmaceutical industry. Used as bleach, preservatives, and antioxidants of food grade products.
Sodium Metabisulphite is reduction bleach allowed to use in China. It has bleaching effect on food and has a strong inhibitory effect on the oxidase within plant foods.
Sodium Metabisulphite can be used for candied fruit, glucose, sugar, rock candy, caramel, candy, liquid glucose, dried fruit, dried vegetables, vermicelli, bamboo shoots, mushrooms and mushroom cans in provisions of our country, with a maximum use of 0.45g/kg; it can also be used for potato starch with a maximum use amount of 0.2g/kg and a maximume residual amount (in terms of SO2) of less than 0.03 g/kg.
Sodium Metabisulphite is used as reductants in analysis and also as bleach and bacterial inhibitors
Sodium Metabisulphite is used as reducing agent, antiseptic, disinfectant and bleach.
Sodium Metabisulphite is a preservative that exists as a powder, with a solubility of 1 g in 4 ml of water.
Sodium Metabisulphite prevents discoloration and inhib- its bacterial growth.
Sodium Metabisulphite is used in dried fruit to inhibit browning and maintain the bright color.
Sodium Metabisulphite is found in reconstituted lemon juice.
Sodium Metabisulphite is widely used in cosmetics and personal care products as a mild cleansing and foaming surfactant.
It helps remove oils, dirt, and makeup gently from skin and hair.
In facial cleansers and face washes, it is used to provide gentle yet effective cleansing, especially for sensitive or dry skin.
Sodium Metabisulphite removes impurities without stripping the skin barrier.
This improves skin comfort and hydration.
Sodium Metabisulphite is applied in shampoos and scalp cleansers, particularly sulfate-free and mild formulations.
Sodium Metabisulphite cleans the hair and scalp without causing dryness or irritation.
This improves hair softness and manageability.
In body washes and shower gels, it provides soft foam and mild cleansing action.
Sodium Metabisulphite creates a smooth, creamy lather.
This improves user experience.
Sodium Metabisulphite is widely used in baby care products, such as baby shampoos and washes.
Sodium Metabisulphite is chosen for its very low irritation potential.
This improves safety for delicate skin.
Sodium Metabisulphite is used in sensitive skin and dermatological products, designed for people with reactive or dry skin conditions.
It minimizes redness and irritation.
This improves skin tolerance.
In intimate hygiene products, it provides gentle cleansing suitable for sensitive areas.
Sodium Metabisulphite cleans effectively without strong surfactant harshness.
This improves product safety.
Sodium Metabisulphite is used in makeup removers and cleansing emulsions, where it helps lift oils and cosmetic residues.
It supports gentle yet effective cleansing.
This improves usability.
Sodium Metabisulphite is also used in solid cleansers (syndet bars) as a soap alternative.
It provides mild cleansing without traditional soap dryness.
Sodium Metabisulphite is used wherever gentle cleansing, mild foaming, and low-irritation surfactant action are required in skincare, haircare, and hygiene formulations.
Sodium lauroyl glutamate is also used in sulfate-free personal care systems, where it replaces harsher surfactants like SLS and SLES.
It provides cleansing while maintaining mildness.
This supports “gentle formula” product concepts.
Sodium Metabisulphite is used in micellar cleansers and cleansing waters, where it helps lift sebum, sunscreen, and makeup residues.
It works alongside amphoteric surfactants for gentle cleansing.
This improves cleansing efficiency.
In facial foaming pumps and cleansing gels, it helps create a stable, soft foam structure.
Sodium Metabisulphite ensures smooth application and easy rinsing.
This improves user convenience.
Sodium Metabisulphite is applied in anti-dryness skincare cleansers, where maintaining skin moisture is important.
It cleans without disrupting hydration balance.
This improves skin comfort.
Sodium Metabisulphite is used in haircare products for colored, bleached, or damaged hair, where gentle cleansing is needed to avoid further dryness.
It helps maintain hair integrity.
This improves hair protection.
Sodium Metabisulphite is found in premium skincare formulations, where sensory feel and mildness are key product features.
It contributes to soft foam and smooth skin feel.
This improves product quality perception.
Sodium Metabisulphite is used in eco-friendly and biodegradable cosmetic lines, due to its amino acid and fatty acid origin.
Sodium Metabisulphite supports sustainability-focused product development.
This improves environmental positioning.
In dermatological and hypoallergenic products, it is used to minimize irritation risk.
It is suitable for compromised or sensitive skin.
This improves safety profile.
Sodium Metabisulphite is also used in cleansing creams and emulsions, where it helps stabilize oil-in-water systems while providing mild cleansing.
It improves texture and performance.
Sodium Metabisulphite is used wherever very mild, biodegradable, and skin-friendly cleansing with soft foam and low irritation is required, especially in modern skincare, haircare, baby care, and sensitive hygiene products.
Safety Profile Of Sodium Metabisulphite:
Poison by intravenous and intraperitoneal routes.
Moderately toxic by ingestion, a corrosive irritant to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.
Mutation data reported an allergen, when heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of SO, and Na2O.
Sodium Metabisulphite is generally regarded as a low-hazard, mild cosmetic surfactant, widely used in skincare and hygiene products due to its good skin compatibility.
Sodium Metabisulphite is derived from amino acids and fatty acids.
Its safety profile is considered favorable.
One possible effect is mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals, especially at higher concentrations or with prolonged exposure.
This may include slight redness or dryness.
Such reactions are uncommon.
Eye contact may cause temporary mild irritation or stinging, particularly in concentrated solutions.
Sodium Metabisulphite is not corrosive or damaging to eye tissue.
Rinsing with water typically resolves symptoms.
Inhalation of powder (mainly in industrial handling) may cause mild respiratory irritation.
This is an occupational exposure concern rather than consumer use.
Good ventilation reduces risk.
Skin sensitization is considered very rare, but as with many surfactants, repeated exposure in susceptible individuals could potentially lead to mild sensitivity.
This is uncommon in normal cosmetic use.
Sodium Metabisulphite is not toxic if accidentally ingested in very small amounts, but it is not intended for oral consumption.