Sodium Silicate
What is it?
Sodium Silicate, Sodium Metasilicate and Potassium Silicate are an inorganic salts. In cosmetics and personal care products, these ingredients are used in skin care, hair coloring, shaving, bath, eyemakeup and oral hygiene products.
Safety Information
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) includes Sodium Metasilicate on its list of direct food substances affirmed as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS). In food, Sodium Metasilicate is used as a processing aid, and in the washing and peeling of fruits, vegetables and nuts. It is also used as a corrosion inhibitor in canned and bottled water. Sodium Silicate is on the list of indirect food additives considered GRAS as a substance migrating to food from packaging materials.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel assessed the safety of Sodium Silicate, Sodium Metasilicate and Potassium Silicate. The CIR Expert Panel concluded that when formulated to avoid irritation, all three ingredients were safe for use in cosmetic products in the practices of use and concentrations described in the safety assessment.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel assessed the safety of Sodium Silicate, Sodium Metasilicate and Potassium Silicate. The CIR Expert Panel concluded that when formulated to avoid irritation, all three ingredients were safe for use in cosmetic products in the practices of use and concentrations described in the safety assessment.
Why is it used in cosmetics and personal care products?
Sodium Silicate is used to control the pH of the finished product. Sodium Silicate, Sodium Metasilicate and Potassium Silicate are also used to prevent the corrosion (rust) of metallic materials used in cosmetic packaging.
Scientific facts:
Sodium Silicate is produced through a reaction of silica sand and sodium carbonate, sometimes referred to as “liquid glass.” The principle use of Sodium Silicate is in the manufacture of soaps and detergents, where it provides a constant pH value.
