PLDEFRESITJęzyk: polski
INCI name

SODIUM METABISULFITE

Sodium metabisulfite

AntioxidantPreservativeReducingreviewed

An inorganic salt used as antioxidant, preservative and reducing agent.

What it is

Sodium Metabisulfite (disodium disulphite) is an inorganic sulfur salt. CosIng lists it as an antioxidant, preservative and reducing agent. In the EU it is listed in Annex V (allowed preservatives) and in Annex III (restricted substances) for certain uses.

Where it is used

Found mainly in hair dye and hair-shaping products, and in small amounts in some creams and other formulas to protect them from oxidation.

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, which differ by product type. The label does not show the concentration actually used.

Functions

Antioxidant
Inhibiting reactions promoted by oxygen, thus avoiding oxidation and rancidity.
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.
Reducing
Changing the chemical nature of another ingredient by adding hydrogen (or removing oxygen).

EU regulation

EU · Annex V, entry 9Inorganic sulphites and hydrogensulphites (5)
Maximum concentration
0.2% (as free SO2)
As of
3 November 2026 · (EC) 2009/1223
EU · Annex III, entry 99Inorganic sulfites and bisulfites (12)
Product type
(a) Oxidative hair dye products (b) Hair straightening products (c) Self-tanning products for the face (d) Other self-tanning products
Maximum concentration
(a) 0.67% (as free SO2) (b) 6.7% (as free SO2) (c) 0.45% (as free SO2) (d) 0.40% (as free SO2)
As of
3 November 2026 · (EC) 2009/1223

Products with this ingredient (127)

Check a full ingredient list