Cosmetic ingredient

SODIUM BORATE

Sodium Borate is an inorganic borate salt. The name covers anhydrous disodium tetraborate as well as hydrated forms known as borax, in which water is incorporated into the crystal structure. It is not an oil, a plant extract, or an ingredient obtained from a specific plant part.

INCISO1 products
CAS number
1330-43-4 / 1303-96-4
EC number
215-540-4
Chemical name
Disodium tetraborate, anhydrous (boric acid, disodium salt); Disodium tetraborate decahydrate (borax decahydrate)

SODIUM BORATE: what it is

Sodium Borate is an inorganic borate salt. The name covers anhydrous disodium tetraborate as well as hydrated forms known as borax, in which water is incorporated into the crystal structure. It is not an oil, a plant extract, or an ingredient obtained from a specific plant part.

The distinction between the anhydrous material and hydrated borax matters when identifying the raw material: they belong to the same sodium tetraborate family, but they do not contain the same amount of water in the crystal. The name on a label therefore does not point to a botanical variety or establish a particular natural source.

SODIUM BORATE: what it does in cosmetics

In technical applications, Sodium Borate can act as a buffer, helping an aqueous mixture resist abrupt changes in acidity. In practical terms, that role aims to keep pH near its intended value; it is not a treatment effect for skin or hair.

There is a decisive cosmetic limit: European cosmetics legislation lists Sodium Borate and borax forms in Annex II, entry 1396, the list of substances prohibited in cosmetic products. Its chemical buffering role therefore does not make it a permitted cosmetic ingredient in the European Union.

SODIUM BORATE: conditions and care

European cosmetics legislation lists Sodium Borate and borax forms in Annex II, entry 1396, as substances prohibited in cosmetic products.

Use limits

Restrictions and conditions of use

Cosmetic restriction
II/1396
Catalogue presence

Products containing this ingredient

See which products include it and the name used in each composition.