The sodium salt of formic acid, used as a preservative and regulated in Annex V.
What it is
Sodium formate is the sodium salt of formic acid, the simplest carboxylic acid. CosIng lists it as a preservative. In the EU it is listed in Annex V (allowed preservatives).
Where it is used
Found in skin care, hair care and cleansing products.
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.
See the EU regulation section for the applicable limits. The label does not show the concentration actually used.
Functions
- Preservative
- Exclusively or mainly intended to inhibit the development of micro-organisms in the cosmetic product. All authorised preservatives are substances in the positive list of Annex V to the Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009.
EU regulation
EU · Annex V, entry 14Formic acid and its sodium salt
- Maximum concentration
- 0.5% (as acid)
- As of
- 3 November 2026 · (EC) 2009/1223