Cosmetic ingredient

SODIUM METAPHOSPHATE

Sodium metaphosphate is an inorganic sodium-and-phosphate compound. On an ingredient list, the name identifies a material in the polyphosphate family rather than a botanical extract, an oil, or a skin-treatment active.

INCISO1 products
CAS number
10361-03-2 / 50813-16-6
EC number
233-782-9 / 256-779-4
Chemical name
Sodium metaphosphate

SODIUM METAPHOSPHATE: what it is

Sodium metaphosphate is an inorganic sodium-and-phosphate compound. On an ingredient list, the name identifies a material in the polyphosphate family rather than a botanical extract, an oil, or a skin-treatment active.

Chemical references may also call it insoluble sodium polyphosphate or Maddrell's salt. Those alternate names help distinguish it from other sodium phosphates: the ingredient here is metaphosphate, a specific form associated with phosphate chains.

SODIUM METAPHOSPHATE: what it does in cosmetics

In cosmetics, sodium metaphosphate can help keep a mixture's acidity or alkalinity more stable. That buffering role supports the formula behaving as intended during use; it does not amount to a direct skin-treatment benefit.

Its chelating action binds certain metal ions in the mixture, reducing the chance that they interfere with the formula's balance. In oral-care products, those roles concern how the product is prepared, not a promise that the ingredient alone removes plaque or treats oral conditions.

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