Common Name(s): Strontium chloride hexahydrate,strontium chloride hexahydrate,anti-sensitivity active,sensory nerve trpv1 blocker
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Reduces skin and dental hypersensitivity by blocking ca²⁺-dependent sensory neuron firing through sr²⁺ competition at trpv1 and voltage-gated calcium channels — providing sustained relief from sensitive skin and dentinal hypersensitivity.
Why It's Used: Strontium is fda-approved as an anti-sensitivity active in sensitive toothpaste (10% strontium chloride) — the most extensively clinically validated otc anti-sensitivity active for dentinal hypersensitivity with >40 years of safety data.
How It Works: Sr²⁺ (ionic radius 1.12 å, vs ca²⁺ 1.00 å) enters voltage-gated ca²⁺ channels but conducts current 10× less efficiently than ca²⁺ — blocking the ca²⁺ influx required for sensory neuron action potential generation and trpv1 receptor-mediated nociception without complete nerve blockade.
Typically Found In: Sensitive toothpaste,sensitive skin care,anti-sensitivity
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 2%–10%
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 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – 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: 1–2.
Works Well With: Standard skincare actives
Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Strontium chloride mechanism is distinct from potassium nitrate (kno₃) — kno₃ hyperpolarises sensory neurons through k⁺ channel activity while srcl₂ blocks ca²⁺-dependent activation. the two mechanisms are complementary and some formulations combine both actives.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,fda anti-sensitivity monograph,strontium chloride anti-sensitivity review