Trisodium Phosphate

What Is It?

Sodium Phosphate, Disodium Phosphate and Trisodium Phosphate occur as a white crystalline solids. These ingredients are also called monobasic sodium phosphate, dibasic sodium phosphate and tribasic sodium phosphate. In cosmetics and personal care products, the Sodium Phosphate ingredients are used in the formulation of bath products, colognes, dentifrices, mouthwashes, hair conditioners, hair dyes and colors, permanent waves, shampoos, makeup and skin care products.

Why Is It Used?

Sodium Phosphate and Disodium Phosphate function as buffering agents. Disodium Phosphate also functions as a corrosion inhibitor. Trisodium Phosphate functions as a chelating agent and a pH adjuster.

Scientific Facts

Sodium Phosphate, especially Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) is an effective cleaning agent and is used in a variety of applications. It can be found as an additive in food, in household cleaners and detergents. Sodium Phosphate and Disodium Phosphate may be used in some laxatives, especially those used to cleanse the bowel before diagnostic procedures such as colonoscopies.

Safety Information

Based on a safety review, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) includes Sodium Phosphate (mono-, di- and tribasic) among the substances considered Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for use as a multiple purpose food substances, as a nutrient and as a sequestrant. Sodium Phosphate (mono- and dibasic) is also approved for use as an ingredient in Over-The-Counter (OTC) laxative drug products. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has deferred evaluation of these ingredients because the safety has been assessed by FDA. This deferral of review is according to the provisions of the CIR Procedures.

The FDA’s Select Committee on GRAS Substances (SCOGS) concluded that there was no evidence in the available information on Sodium Phosphate (mono-, di-, and tribasic) that demonstrates, or suggests reasonable grounds to suspect, a hazard to the public when it is used at levels that are now current or might reasonably be expected in the future.                                                                                                                        

Link to FDA Code of Federal Regulations for Sodium Phosphate

The Sodium Phosphate ingredients may be used in cosmetics and personal care products marketed in Europe according to the general provisions of the Cosmetics Regulation of the European Union.

More Scientific Information

The Sodium Phosphate ingredients are inorganic salts. In cosmetics and personal care products, Sodium Phosphate and Disodium Phosphate function as buffering agents. Disodium Phosphate also functions as a corrosion inhibitor. Trisodium Phosphate functions as a chelating agent and a pH adjuster.

Resources

Find out more about the regulation of over-the-counter drugs by the Food and Drug Administration

Find out more about the regulation of Food Additives by the Food and Drug Administration