INCI page

SODIUM SULFATE

Last update on May 11, 2026

Sodium Sulfate is an inorganic salt widely used in cosmetics as a viscosity builder and bulking agent. It is particularly effective at thickening anionic surfactant systems such as shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers. This white crystalline powder or granules helps achieve the desired rich consistency and creamy texture while being cost-effective and easy to formulate. It is a common ingredient in rinse-off products where viscosity control is needed without using polymeric thickeners.

CAS Number: 7727-73-3 / 7757-82-6Chem/IUPAC Name: Sodium sulphateEINECS/ELINCS No: / 231-820-9COSING REF No: 38093

Products with SODIUM SULFATE

See all products
With samples available

D&C Red 27

by Neelikon Food Dyes & Chemicals

INCI: CI 45410 | AQUA | SODIUM CHLORIDE | SODIUM SULFATE
  • Sustainable option
See the product

D & C Red 33

by Neelikon Food Dyes & Chemicals

INCI: CI 17200 | SODIUM CHLORIDE | AQUA | SODIUM SULFATE
  • Sustainable option
See the product

Neelicol Black PN

by Neelikon Food Dyes & Chemicals

INCI: CI 28440 | SODIUM CHLORIDE | AQUA | SODIUM SULFATE
  • Sustainable option
See the product

What is SODIUM SULFATE used for?

  • Viscosity controlling: Increases thickness in surfactant-based formulas. Frequently used in shampoos, shower gels, and liquid soaps to create rich, stable consistency.
  • Bulking agent: Adds bulk and improves product appearance. Common in powdered products, bath salts, and some cleansers.
  • Stabilizing / Opacifying: Helps stabilize formulations and can contribute to opacity in certain systems.

Origin

Sodium Sulfate occurs naturally in mineral deposits or is produced industrially as a byproduct of various chemical processes (e.g., hydrochloric acid production). For cosmetic use, it is highly purified to remove impurities. It is an abundant, inorganic mineral salt available in anhydrous and decahydrate forms.

What does SODIUM SULFATE do in a formulation?

BULKING|
VISCOSITY CONTROLLING|
STABILISING|
OPACIFYING

Safety Profile

Sodium Sulfate is considered very safe for cosmetic use with a low hazard rating from EWG (1). The CIR Expert Panel deems inorganic salts like sodium sulfate safe as used in rinse-off products. It is non-irritating at typical concentrations but can be drying if used at very high levels on sensitive skin. Non-comedogenic and well-tolerated in rinse-off applications.

SODIUM SULFATE alternatives

SODIUM SULFATE technical profile

PropertyValues
Boiling Point1429°C
Melting Point884°C
pHNeutral
SolubilityHighly soluble in water