Moderate Preservative NOAEL Data GHS Classified

Sodium Bicarbonate

INCI: SODIUM BICARBONATE

CAS Number
497-19-8
Function
Alkaline salt that elevates skin surface pH to approximately 8, inhibiting growth of odor-causing microorganisms including Staphylococcus epidermidis and Corynebacterium spp. responsible for foot malodor. Also used in foot soaks for deodorising and softening effects.
Safety Rating
MODERATE

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status permitted
🇺🇸 US Status permitted
US Notes Generally safe for many cosmetic applications but explicitly contraindicated for intimate area deodorizing due to pH ~8.3 — disrupts the acid mantle and promotes pathogen overgrowth.

For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
adequate
Dermal Absorption
negligible
Sensitization
moderate

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Toxicological Studies

5 study endpoints found for Sodium Bicarbonate. NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) values are used to calculate the Margin of Safety per SCCS methodology.

Endpoint Value Route Species Study Type Source
NOAEL 179 mg/kg bw/day oral rabbit Developmental COSMOS_DB
dose_tested 179 mg/kg bw/day oral rabbit Developmental COSMOS_DB
NOAEL >10 2104 inhalation code:3544 inhalation REACH
LOAEL 70 mg/L air 1992 rat inhalation REACH
LOAEL 70 2104 1991 rat inhalation REACH

GHS Hazard Classification

Globally Harmonized System classification per ECHA C&L inventory and ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards.

Signal Word
WARNING
Pictograms
excl mark;warn
Hazard Statements
Causes serious eye irritation
Short-term Exposure Effects
The substance is severely irritating to the eyes. The substance is mildly irritating to the skin and respiratory tract.
Long-term Exposure Effects
The substance may have effects on the respiratory tract. This may result in perforation of the nasal septum. Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis.
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of dust.

Expert Verdict

Natural deodorant active and absorbent powder with dual benefit of moisture absorption and antimicrobial activity via pH elevation (~8.3) that inhibits odor-causing bacteria; however, this pH elevation disrupts the skin acid mantle (normal axillary skin pH ~5.5), and multiple contact dermatitis cases have been documented in individuals with sensitive or reactive skin, leading to replacement by magnesium hydroxide or zinc ricinoleate in modern formulations.

⚠️
Concern Level: Moderate

Regulatory Flags

natural-deodorant-active deodorant-not-antiperspirant ph-adjuster irritant avoid-sensitive-skin contact-dermatitis-risk absorbent moisture-absorber talc-alternative endocrine_disruptor eu_children_restricted epa_safer_alternative ifra_fragrance fda_food_additive

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sodium Bicarbonate safe in cosmetics?

Natural deodorant active and absorbent powder with dual benefit of moisture absorption and antimicrobial activity via pH elevation (~8.3) that inhibits odor-causing bacteria; however, this pH elevation disrupts the skin acid mantle (normal axillary skin pH ~5.5), and multiple contact dermatitis cases have been documented in individuals with sensitive or reactive skin, leading to replacement by magnesium hydroxide or zinc ricinoleate in modern formulations. The EU classifies Sodium Bicarbonate as "permitted". Safety rating: MODERATE. 5 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.

Is Sodium Bicarbonate allowed in the EU?

Sodium Bicarbonate EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Sodium Bicarbonate do in cosmetics?

Sodium Bicarbonate functions as: Alkaline salt that elevates skin surface pH to approximately 8, inhibiting growth of odor-causing microorganisms including Staphylococcus epidermidis and Corynebacterium spp. responsible for foot malodor. Also used in foot soaks for deodorising and softening effects.. It is classified as a Preservative in our database. CAS number: 497-19-8.

What is the Margin of Safety for Sodium Bicarbonate?

adequate The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

What is the NOAEL for Sodium Bicarbonate?

The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Sodium Bicarbonate is 179 mg/kg bw/day based on a Developmental study via oral route in rabbit. A total of 5 study endpoints are available. Source: COSMOS_DB.

Is Sodium Bicarbonate classified as hazardous under GHS?

Sodium Bicarbonate carries a GHS signal word of "WARNING". Hazard statements: Causes serious eye irritation. This classification is based on the ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Card and ECHA C&L inventory data. Note: GHS classification applies to the pure substance — at cosmetic use concentrations, hazard thresholds may not be met.

Compliance Tools

Check Sodium Bicarbonate compliance across multiple jurisdictions:

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Ingredient Decoder
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82 Allergen Checker
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Substance Compliance
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MoS Calculator
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Heavy Metal Limits
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