Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, or Sodium HMG, is a preservative used in cosmetics and personal care products to prevent bacterial or fungal growth in formulations. It is an effective solution for increasing the shelf life of beauty products and making them last longer. This ingredient also possesses some softening properties and can make skin and hair supple and smooth. In its raw form, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate appears as a colorless to light yellow transparent liquid - but can also be in the form of a powder. It is generally added to products like shampoos, conditioners, soaps, body sprays, and moisturizers. However, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate is a formaldehyde-releasing ingredient and is unsafe for use in cosmetics, especially at high concentrations.
Products with SODIUM HYDROXYMETHYLGLYCINATE
With samples available
Kem 30
by Akema
Sharomix™ HMG
by Sharon Laboratories
What is SODIUM HYDROXYMETHYLGLYCINATE used for?
Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate is used in both skin and hair care products as a preservative. It inhibits the growth of microorganisms like bacteria and fungi in formulations - preventing spoilage and degradation over time. This preservative increases the shelf life of products and helps maintain their safety, quality, and efficacy. Additionally, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate is also a conditioner that softens the hair and skin. However, this ingredient is more common in hair care products due to its potential for skin irritation. Even with limited research, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate has high use restrictions and is not suitable for use on the skin.
Origin
Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate is a synthetic ingredient made by first reacting glycine and formaldehyde to form hydroxymethylglycine. This is then neutralized with sodium hydroxide to result in Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate. The final ingredient is then purified for use in cosmetics. The chemical formula of Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate is C3H6NNaO3.
What does SODIUM HYDROXYMETHYLGLYCINATE do in a formulation?
HAIR CONDITIONING|
PRESERVATIVE|
SKIN CONDITIONINGSafety Profile
Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate can be safe for use at 0.5% or less. However, it releases formaldehyde - a potential carcinogen - when exposed to high heat or changes in pH levels. It can be a skin sensitizer and irritant as well. Although considered safer than other formaldehyde-releasing ingredients and parabens, it has the potential for severe side effects. Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate is approved for use at low concentrations but should generally be avoided for topical use on the skin.
SODIUM HYDROXYMETHYLGLYCINATE alternatives
SODIUM HYDROXYMETHYLGLYCINATE technical profile
| Property | Values |
Boiling Point | 307.20°C |
pH | 10 - 11 |
Solubility | Highly soluble in water |
Viscosity | Low |