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Sodium Metabisulfite

What Sodium Metabisulfite is & what it does

An antioxidant and preservative that protects formulas from oxidation and helps stabilize sensitive ingredients. It keeps products from discoloring.

What does Sodium Metabisulfite do in skincare?

Sodium Metabisulfite is commonly used as an antioxidant and preservative aid. It helps protect formulas from oxidation, which can cause discoloration or degradation of sensitive ingredients. It is often added in small amounts to keep a product stable over its shelf life.

Is Sodium Metabisulfite safe?

It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics at the low concentrations typically used. Some people who are sensitive to sulfites may experience irritation, so it is sometimes flagged for sensitive skin. Its concentration in cosmetics is usually restricted to keep it well tolerated.

Is Sodium Metabisulfite natural or synthetic?

Sodium Metabisulfite is a synthetic inorganic salt produced through industrial chemical processes. It is not derived from plants or animals. It is widely used across both food and cosmetic products as a preservative and antioxidant.

Sunscreens with Sodium Metabisulfite

We rate 83 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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