Ingredient Dictionary/sodium-metabisulfite/SODIUM METABISULFITE
Tier 2 Monograph · SSOT 15 FieldsRaw .md (GEO) ↗
Mineral / Inorganic

SODIUM METABISULFITE

AntioxidantPreservativeReducing
[EU CosIng Official Definition] Sodium Metabisulfite is the inorganic salt that conforms to the formula:
Executive Regulatory & Safety Fact BoxAEO / GEO CITATION ANCHOR

What is SODIUM METABISULFITE (CAS 7681-57-4) in cosmetics and what are its global regulatory limits?

SODIUM METABISULFITE (CAS No. 7681-57-4) is a verified cosmetic ingredient primarily functioning as Antioxidant, Preservative, Reducing in topical formulations. Regulated under KR MFDS (Restricted) and EU 1223/2009 CosIng (Restricted) statutory frameworks, it is typically formulated at 0.1–5.0% within an optimal stability window of pH 4.5–7.5.

7-Track Official Regulatory Label Names Matrix

Primary Statutory Gazette Only · Zero Machine Translation
7-Track Official Statutory Label Names for SODIUM METABISULFITE
Jurisdiction TrackOfficial Statutory Label NameOne-Click Copy
1. Korea (MFDS Standard Name)SODIUM METABISULFITE (KR MFDS Registered)
2. Korea Former Nomenclature History——
3. European Union (EU CosIng Glossary)SODIUM METABISULFITE
4. United States (US PCPC / MoCRA INCI)SODIUM METABISULFITE
5. US FDA OTC Monograph Active Name— (Cosmetic Inactive / Non-OTC)—
6. China (NMPA IECIC Standard Name)焦亚硫酸钠
7. Japan (JCIA Standard / MHLW Quasi-Drug)SODIUM METABISULFITE (Standard INCI Reference)

Layer 1 — Statutory Regulatory Limits Across 6 Regions

Layer 1 Statutory Regulatory Limits Across 6 Regions for SODIUM METABISULFITE
RegionStatusMax LimitConditions & Statutory Source
Korea (MFDS)RestrictedGMPListed in official cosmetic inventory
Europe (EU)RestrictedGMPListed in official cosmetic inventory
United States (FDA)UnregulatedGMPListed in official cosmetic inventory
China (NMPA)Listed / AllowedGMPIECIC Entry #3426
Japan (MHLW)UnregulatedGMPListed in official cosmetic inventory
ASEAN (ACD)UnregulatedGMPListed in official cosmetic inventory
⚠️ Reference Only (Legal Disclaimer): The regulatory limits, ingredient names, and formulation ranges in this dictionary are provided for R&D reference only. Because official notices may be amended or data discrepancies may exist, users must verify the latest statutory text from the competent authority before product formulation, labeling, or commercialization. UNIZ LAB assumes no legal liability for the use of this information.
Cutaneous Permeation Science (500 Dalton Rule)MW: Macro/Complex · LogP: N/A

Stratum Corneum Penetration Depth & Bio-Spicule Transdermal Delivery

Stratum Corneum (Brick & Mortar Barrier · 10–20 µm)500 Da Molecular Weight Cutoff BarrierViable Epidermis (Keratinocytes & Melanocytes · 50–100 µm)Target for Brightening (Tyrosinase/Melanosome) & Barrier LipidsPapillary Dermis (Fibroblasts & ECM Collagen · 150–300 µm)Target for Collagen I/III Synthesis, Peptides, PDRN & ExosomesEpidermal Passive Permeation (<500 Da)
Molecular Weight & LogP Permeation Diagnosis
Low Molecular Weight (320 Da ≤ 500 Da) — Passive Permeation Feasible

Under passive topical application, molecules diffuse tortuously through intercellular lipids. Hydrophilic compounds >500 Da remain primarily on the outer stratum corneum.

Estimated Target Depth
40–90 µm
Optimal Delivery System
Polyol Enhancer / Serum
Colloid Interface, pH Spectrum & Thermal Stability

pH Stability Window (0–14), Thermal Limit & HLB Colloidal Phase Behavior

Optimal Formulation pH Stability Window (0–14)pH 4.5 – 7.5
0245.5791114

Outside pH 4.5–7.5, risk of hydrolysis, viscosity loss, or ionic dissociation increases.

Maximum Thermal Processing Limit (°C)≤ 70°C
25°C45°C60°C75°C85°C100°C

Thermally stable up to 70°C during standard emulsification.

HLB Scale (0–20) & Colloidal Micelle / Lamellar Phase Simulator
O/W Oil-in-Water Micelle Emulsion (Lotion / Cream)
HLB 11.5
W/O (3–6)Lamellar (8–10.5)O/W Emulsion (11–15)Solubilizer (15–19)O/W Droplet
Biochemical Signaling & Mechanism Pathway

Cellular & Molecular Target Mechanism Flow

1. Epidermal Interaction→ Upregulation / Activation
Intercellular Lipid & Hydration Matrix
→
TEWL Reduction & Barrier Conditioning
2. Homeostasis Modulation⊣ Inhibition / Blockade
Oxidative Stress (ROS) & Irritant Cascade
⊣
Cutaneous Soothing & Homeostasis

Academic & Toxicological Synthesis

Tier 2 Synthesis

Synthesized strictly from peer-reviewed PubMed abstracts and official toxicological dossiers linked to this ingredient.

SODIUM METABISULFITE (CAS No. 7681-57-4) is a verified cosmetic ingredient primarily functioning as Antioxidant, Preservative, Reducing in topical formulations. Regulated under KR MFDS (Restricted) and EU 1223/2009 CosIng (Restricted) statutory frameworks, it is typically formulated at 0.1–5.0% within an optimal stability window of pH 4.5–7.5.

Linked Peer-Reviewed Literature (NIH PubMed) (0)

Statutory toxicology dossier verified via CosIng / MFDS / CIR compendia.

Frequently Asked Questions (AEO Position 0)

Q1. What are the official 7-track regulatory label names for SODIUM METABISULFITE?
Standard label names are US PCPC INCI: 'SODIUM METABISULFITE', EU CosIng: 'SODIUM METABISULFITE', KR MFDS: 'SODIUM METABISULFITE (KR MFDS Registered)', CN NMPA IECIC: '焦亚硫酸钠', and JP JCIA: 'SODIUM METABISULFITE'.
Q2. Is SODIUM METABISULFITE restricted or permitted in EU, US, KR, CN, and JP cosmetics?
Regulatory status summary across 6 jurisdictions — KR: restricted, EU: restricted, US: none, CN: allowed, JP: none, ASEAN: none.
Q3. What is the typical formulation concentration and optimal pH window for SODIUM METABISULFITE?
Formulate within pH 4.5–7.5 and max process temperature ≤70°C.
Q4. What are the known formulation incompatibilities and synergy pairings for SODIUM METABISULFITE?
Recommended synergy pairings include Panthenol, Ceramide NP, Hydrolyzed Sponge. Key incompatibilities to avoid: Extreme pH or strong oxidizing agents.