Sodium Hexametaphosphate

* A versatile ingredient, often used as a preservative alternative

Functions:

According to CosmeticsInfo.org, Sodium Hexametaphosphate is a inactivate metallic ion used to prevent the deterioration of cosmetics and personal care products, prohibiting the corrosion (rust) of metallic materials used in packaging. It is also used as a chelator, detergent, water softener and emulsifier, and is most often found in foundations and mascara, but also in bath products, and moisturizing and skin care products. Sodium Hexametaphosphate is also an ingredient in many tooth whitening formulas (Wikipedia).

Sodium Hexametaphosphate is CIR approved with concentration limits and when formulated to avoid skin irritation, and is also FDA approved as GRAS, or Generally Recognized as Safe.

Safety Measures/Side Effects:

Sodium Hexametaphosphate is considered a moderate hazard ingredient by the Cosmetics Database, primarily due to the possibility that it can be contaminated with lead. However, specific measures are taken to avoid this contamination. There are also concerns over the potential for Sodium Hexametaphosphate to cause organ toxicity and irritation, but studies found that these reactions occurred in vitro or at higher concentrations than found in skin care products and cosmetics, or packaging.

Recommended Products w/ Sodium Hexametaphosphate:

Kose Seikisho Facial Cleansing Mousse