Sodium Bisulfite

Sodium Bisulfite is a water-soluble reducing agent used as an antioxidant and preservative component in formulations. It's used to protect color and oxygen-sensitive ingredients from oxidation, though it may irritate some users.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
An antioxidant salt that protects formulas from oxidizing.
Category
Antioxidant, Preservative
Type
Antioxidant

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Fair

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

It helps preserve the look and performance of sensitive ingredients by limiting air-related degradation, though it can be irritating for some users, especially on reactive skin.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

It's found in serums, creams, and hair dyes to help maintain formula integrity, and used in lotions and certain masks where protection of delicate actives is needed.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

It may cause irritation or sensitization in some users, particularly those with known sulfite sensitivity or very reactive skin. It's typically used at low levels in compliant formulations; patch testing is advisable for leave-on use.

Is Sodium Bisulfite a Good Ingredient?

It rates Fair because it helps protect oxygen-sensitive ingredients but offers limited direct skin benefits and can irritate or trigger reactions in sulfite-sensitive individuals. Its use is most justified for stabilizing delicate actives rather than as a primary skincare benefit.

Products with Sodium Bisulfite

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