SODIUM BICARBONATE (Baking soda) – function in cosmetics

Sodium bicarbonate, a mild alkali and abrasive.

What it is

Sodium bicarbonate is a mild alkaline salt. It adjusts pH, absorbs odours and acts as a mild abrasive; with acids it releases carbon dioxide, which makes bath bombs fizz.

Where it is used

Found in toothpastes, bath bombs, deodorants and cleansers.

Limits of interpretation

The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.

Functions

Abrasive

Removing unwanted tissue or foreign materials from various body surfaces, including mechanical tooth cleaning and/or gloss improvement.

Buffering

Stabilising the pH of an aqueous medium in a narrow range even if an acid or base is added. Altering and/or maintaining a cosmetic product's pH at the desired level.

Deodorant

Reducing and/or eluminating unpleasant odour. Contributing against the formation of malodour on body surfaces.

Oral care

Providing cosmetic effects to the oral cavity, e.g. cleansing, deodorising, protecting.

Skin protecting

Helping to avoid harmful effects to the skin from external factors.

SODIUM BICARBONATE

What it is

Where it is used

Limits of interpretation

Functions

EU regulation

Products with this ingredient (251)