SODIUM THIOSULFATE
Sodium thiosulfate is an inorganic salt made of sodium and thiosulfate. It is water-soluble, so when it appears in a cosmetic product it is more likely to belong to the water-based part of the preparation than to an oily phase such as a plant oil or butter.
SODIUM THIOSULFATE: what it is
Sodium thiosulfate is an inorganic salt made of sodium and thiosulfate. It is water-soluble, so when it appears in a cosmetic product it is more likely to belong to the water-based part of the preparation than to an oily phase such as a plant oil or butter.
Its raw material is not a plant, flower, or fruit: it is a chemical substance. The same name can cover an anhydrous form and a pentahydrate form, which contains water bound in the crystal. That difference in presentation does not make the ingredient an extract or reveal by itself how it will be used in the finished product.
SODIUM THIOSULFATE: what it does in cosmetics
In cosmetics, Sodium Thiosulfate is classified as a reducing agent. In practical terms, a reducing substance reacts with oxidizing agents; this property can help control an oxidation reaction during preparation. That is a chemical purpose within a formula, not a sensory effect such as softness, fragrance, or an oily feel on the skin.
Its reducing action explains why it may be selected for a particular composition, but it is not a promise to fade dark spots, treat acne, or rejuvenate skin. Clinical uses studied for sodium thiosulfate involve preparations and routes of administration of their own, so they do not measure the result of an ordinary cosmetic that simply includes it on its ingredient list.
Products containing this ingredient
See which products include it and the name used in each composition.
