Moderate Preservative GHS Classified Sensitization Data

Sodium Metabisulfite

INCI: SODIUM METABISULFITE

CAS Number
7681-57-4
Function
Antioxidant, preservative, reducing agent
Safety Rating
MODERATE

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status restricted
EU Max Conc. 0.2% as free SO2 (preservative); 0.67% in hair dyes; 6.7% in hair waving/straightening
🇺🇸 US Status permitted
US Notes FDA classified sulfites as GRAS in 1982.

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

Safety Data

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

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

GHS Hazard Classification

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

Signal Word
DANGER
Pictograms
corr; excl mark;warn
Hazard Statements
Harmful if swallowed Causes serious eye damage Harmful to aquatic life
Short-term Exposure Effects
The substance is severely irritating to the eyes. The substance is irritating to the skin, respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract. Exposure could cause asthma-like reactions or urticaria in sensitive persons.
Long-term Exposure Effects
Repeated or prolonged inhalation may cause asthma-like symptoms. The substance may have effects on the skin.
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by ingestion.

Sensitization Profile

Contact sensitization data for Sodium Metabisulfite based on clinical patch test studies and IFRA standards.

Sensitization Rate
low
Allergen Class
preservative
EU Allergen Listed
no
Patch Test Positive Rate
0.2%
Cross-reactivity Group
none
Reaction Type
contact-dermatitis

Source: IVDK; SCCS

Expert Verdict

Effective preservative and antioxidant restricted under EU Annex III and V with concentration limits varying by use; notable sensitization rate of 4.5-5.5% in dermatology and patch-tested populations.

⚠️
Concern Level: Moderate

Regulatory Flags

Allergen Restricted epa_safer_alternative ifra_fragrance fda_food_additive

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sodium Metabisulfite safe in cosmetics?

Effective preservative and antioxidant restricted under EU Annex III and V with concentration limits varying by use; notable sensitization rate of 4.5-5.5% in dermatology and patch-tested populations. The EU classifies Sodium Metabisulfite as "restricted". Safety rating: MODERATE.

Is Sodium Metabisulfite allowed in the EU?

Sodium Metabisulfite EU regulatory status: restricted. Maximum allowed concentration: 0.2% as free SO2 (preservative); 0.67% in hair dyes; 6.7% in hair waving/straightening. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Sodium Metabisulfite do in cosmetics?

Sodium Metabisulfite functions as: Antioxidant, preservative, reducing agent. It is classified as a Preservative in our database. CAS number: 7681-57-4.

What is the Margin of Safety for Sodium Metabisulfite?

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.

Is Sodium Metabisulfite classified as hazardous under GHS?

Sodium Metabisulfite carries a GHS signal word of "DANGER". Hazard statements: Harmful if swallowed Causes serious eye damage Harmful to aquatic life. 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 Metabisulfite compliance across multiple jurisdictions:

🔬
Ingredient Decoder
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82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
 🧪
Substance Compliance
Check compliance across 55 jurisdictions
 🧮
MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
 ⚗️
Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions

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