Common Name(s): Nh4hco3,ammonium hydrogen carbonate,hartshorn
CAS Number: 1066-33-7
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides co2 generation for fizzing cosmetic products and oxygenating mask formulations.
Why It's Used: The original effervescent ingredient โ ammonium bicarbonate generates co2 at body temperature providing the fizzing bath bomb experience and oxygenating mask sensory effects.
How It Works: Decomposes above 36ยฐc: nh4hco3 โ nh3 + h2o + co2. body temperature (37ยฐc) triggers co2 release on skin contact. co2 provides fizzing sensation. released ammonia provides mild alkalising for skin ph. classic effervescent ingredient in bath bombs alongside citric acid + baking soda.
Typically Found In: Bath bombs,effervescent products,oxygenating masks
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient โ co2-generating agent
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%โ5%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required
Halal Status: Unverified - supplier confirmation required
Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: the record's own source_notes does not assert a non-animal origin, or instructs the reader to verify with the supplier; "yes" asserts knowledge the record does not hold. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1โ2.
Works Well With: Standard skincare actives
Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Ammonium bicarbonate's body-temperature co2 release (decomposition starts ~36ยฐc) provides an inherent safety mechanism absent from chemically-triggered effervescent systems: unlike acid-base co2 generation (citric acid + baking soda) that begins immediately on water contact, ammonium bicarbonate only releases co2 when warmed to body temperature โ providing heat-triggered effervescence in skin-contact formulations.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,cir safety assessment