Is sodium chloride bad for skin?

In typical cosmetic concentrations, sodium chloride is generally safe. However, in high amounts or on compromised skin, it can contribute to dryness or irritation.

Why is salt in my skincare products?

Sodium chloride is often included in skincare products to adjust the product's thickness and texture. It can also serve as a mild abrasive in exfoliating products or as a preservative.

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Sodium Chloride

Sodium chloride is common table salt. In cosmetics, it's primarily used to increase the thickness of water-based products, helping to create a desired texture. It can also act as a mild abrasive in scrubs or as a preservative in certain formulations. Its role is usually structural rather than providing direct skin benefits.

Thickener, abrasive, preservativeVegan

BenefitNone 0 / 4

RiskLow 1 / 4

Irritation i1.5 / 4

Risk of short-term irritation — stinging, burning, dryness, redness, or discomfort. Common for strong actives, acids, retinoids, fragrances, and harsh surfactants.

Eye irritation i1 / 4

Whether it may sting or irritate around the eyes. Relevant for sunscreens, fragrances, acids, surfactants, and volatile ingredients.

Barrier disruption i1 / 4

Whether it can weaken or damage the skin barrier — harsh surfactants, strong exfoliants, high alcohol content, or overuse-prone actives.

Rated by SpottyLabs' ingredient methodology, independent of brands.

Things to watch

can be drying in high concentrations
may cause irritation on broken skin

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Products with Sodium Chloride

The Ordinary

Rice Lipids + Ectoin Microemulsion

4.7/ 527/13/5

Eucerin

UreaRepair PLUS 10% Urea Lotion

4.7/ 515/13/4

Eucerin

UreaRepair PLUS 5% Urea Hand Cream

4.6/ 512/11/4

The Ordinary

Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

4.6/ 519/21/6

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Frequently asked questions

Is sodium chloride bad for skin?: In typical cosmetic concentrations, sodium chloride is generally safe. However, in high amounts or on compromised skin, it can contribute to dryness or irritation.
Why is salt in my skincare products?: Sodium chloride is often included in skincare products to adjust the product's thickness and texture. It can also serve as a mild abrasive in exfoliating products or as a preservative.