Sodium Silicate is a water-soluble inorganic salt composed of sodium oxide and silica in varying ratios (commonly 1:2 to 1:3.75). It appears as a clear to viscous liquid or white powder and is primarily used as a pH buffer, alkalinity source, anticorrosive agent, and viscosity modifier. In cosmetics, it is found in hair dyes (especially oxidative and bleaching systems), permanent waves, depilatories, soaps, cleansers, and some oral care products. It helps stabilize high-pH formulations, protect metal equipment from corrosion, and contribute to the structuring of bar soaps or syndet bars.
Products with SODIUM SILICATE
With samples available
DECOROL™ BLUE
by CISME Italy
Sodium Silicate Glass (Lump/Cullet)
by Ankit Silicate
Sodium Silicate Liquid
by Ankit Silicate
What is SODIUM SILICATE used for?
- Buffering / pH adjusting: Maintains high alkalinity (pH 11-13) in formulations. Frequently used in hair dyes, bleaches, relaxers, and permanent wave solutions to activate oxidative processes and swell hair cuticle.
- Anticorrosive: Protects metal containers and equipment from corrosion in alkaline products. Common in hair colorants, depilatories, and heavy-duty cleansers.
- Viscosity controlling / Structuring: Increases viscosity and aids in forming firm soap bars or gels. Used in bar soaps, syndet bars, and some paste cleansers for hardness and stability.
Origin
Sodium Silicate is produced synthetically by fusing high-purity silica sand (SiO₂) with sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) at high temperatures (~1300-1400°C) to form a molten glass, which is then dissolved in water under pressure to produce aqueous solutions of varying ratios. The resulting liquid (water glass) or dried powder is highly alkaline and adjusted for cosmetic use. It is mineral-derived and manufactured industrially for consistent quality and purity.
What does SODIUM SILICATE do in a formulation?
ANTICORROSIVE|
BUFFERING|
VISCOSITY CONTROLLINGSafety Profile
Sodium Silicate is considered safe for cosmetic use in specific applications per CIR Expert Panel assessments (safe as used when formulated to be non-irritating). It has a moderate to high hazard rating from EWG (4-6) due to its strong alkalinity, potential for severe skin/eye irritation, and corrosivity at high concentrations. It is restricted in the EU (Annex III) and permitted only in oxidative hair dyes, hair relaxers, and certain rinse-off products at low levels with strict labeling (e.g., "contains alkali"). Not suitable for leave-on skin products or sensitive skin due to high pH.
SODIUM SILICATE alternatives
SODIUM SILICATE technical profile
| Property | Values |
| Boiling Point | >100°C |
| Melting Point | >1000°C |
| pH | 11.0 - 13.0 |
| Solubility | Highly soluble in water |
| Viscosity | Low to high |