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Sodium Chloride

Description

Sodium Chloride, commonly known as salt, is a versatile and essential ingredient in skincare formulations. This inorganic compound consists of sodium and chloride ions in a 1:1 ratio. In cosmetic applications, sodium chloride serves multiple purposes beyond its well-known role as a food preservative.

As a thickening agent, sodium chloride can modify the viscosity of products, particularly in surfactant-based formulations like shampoos and body washes. It also functions as an osmotic agent, helping to balance the water content in skincare products and on the skin's surface. This property makes it valuable in hydrating formulations and products designed to maintain skin moisture levels.

Sodium chloride acts as a gentle exfoliant, assisting in the removal of dead skin cells when used in body scrubs or facial cleansers. Its abrasive texture promotes skin renewal without causing excessive irritation. Additionally, it can enhance the foaming properties of cleansing products, improving their lathering ability and user experience.

In some formulations, sodium chloride is utilized to stabilize emulsions and adjust the ionic strength of aqueous solutions. While generally considered safe for topical use, high concentrations may cause dryness in sensitive skin types.