SODIUM BISULFITE
Commonly Found In
Overview
Sodium bisulfite (sodium hydrogen sulfite) is an inorganic reducing agent and antioxidant used in hair waving/straightening products and as a preservative antioxidant in cosmetic formulations. It is restricted in EU cosmetics (Annex III/99, V/9) and the UK due to sulfite hypersensitivity concerns affecting approximately 1β2% of the population. It breaks disulfide bonds in hair keratin in permanent waving systems and prevents oxidation of sensitive cosmetic actives. Closely related to sodium sulfite and sodium metabisulfite with similar safety profiles.
Also known as: Sodium Bisulfite, Sodium Hydrogen Sulfite, Sodium Acid Sulfite, E222
Key Benefits
Studies suggest sodium bisulfite effectively functions as an antioxidant to prevent ingredient degradation in formulations; in hair waving it may help break and reform disulfide bonds to achieve curl/wave formation.
Skin Compatibility Ratings
Comedogenic Rating
Non-comedogenic; water-soluble reducing agent and antioxidant used at low concentrations.
Source: CIR Expert Panel; physicochemical properties
Irritancy Rating
Low direct skin irritancy; primary concern is sulfite hypersensitivity (Type I allergic reaction, asthmatic response) in 1β2% of sensitive individuals; rare cases of contact dermatitis reported
Source: EU restriction rationale; CIR assessment; published case reports
Typical Use Concentration
Range
0.1β0.5% (antioxidant); 1β5% (hair waving)
Optimal
0.1β0.3% as antioxidant
EU Annex III/99 restricts concentration. Hair waving use at effective reducing concentrations. US/Japan permit broader use within general safety requirements.
Works Well With / Avoid
Works Well With
Avoid Combining
Use With Caution
EU restricts under Annex III/99. Functions similarly to sodium sulfite but is slightly more acidic (HSO3β» vs SO3Β²β»). Sulfite-containing products should warn consumers with sulfite sensitivity.
Commonly Found In
Global Regulation Summary
Overview of current status across major international markets.
Detailed Regional Status
| Region | Status | Max Conc. | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πͺπΊ EU | Banned | - | - | Official β |
| πΊπΈ USA | Allowed | - | - | Official β |
| π―π΅ Japan | Allowed | - | - | Official β |
| π°π· Korea | Unknown | - | - | Official β |
| π¬π§ UK | Restricted | - | Follows EU regulations (III/99 V/9) | Official β |
π Why Regulations Differ
The EU restricts sodium bisulfite under Annex III/99 and V/9 due to sulfite hypersensitivity and sensitization concerns. The US permits use with FDA warning label requirements for sulfite-sensitive individuals. Japan permits use under general cosmetic safety provisions. The restriction reflects a precautionary stance on allergic potential rather than direct acute toxicity.
Regulation Analysis
Regional Agreement
Banned in EU but allowed in USA, Japan.
Category Comparison
There are 59 ingredients in the ANTIOXIDANT category. 88% are banned in at least one major market.
Strictness Ranking
πΏ Natural Sources
Synthetic compound. Sulfur dioxide occurs naturally in volcanic emissions, but sodium bisulfite (NaHSO3) is industrially produced.
π How It's Made
Produced by bubbling sulfur dioxide gas through a solution of sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide, or by treating sodium sulfite with sulfur dioxide.
π Uses in Cosmetics
Used as an antioxidant, reducing agent, and preservative in hair waving/straightening products. Banned in EU (Annex III/99, V/9) and restricted in UK. Allowed in US and Japan. Breaks disulfide bonds in hair keratin for permanent waving. Also used to prevent oxidation in cosmetic formulations.
π¬ Other Applications
Food preservative (E222) for dried fruits, wine, and processed foods. Water treatment, photographic developer, textile bleaching, and pharmaceutical antioxidant.
π‘ Fun Facts
- β’ Can trigger severe allergic reactions in sulfite-sensitive individuals, especially asthmatics - FDA requires warning labels on cosmetic products
- β’ Wine makers have used sulfites (including sodium bisulfite) for over 2,000 years as a preservative
- β’ EU restrictions are primarily due to allergy concerns rather than acute toxicity
Related Skin Concerns
Data Sources
- β’ EU CosIng database (Annex III/99, V/9)
- β’ CIR Expert Panel assessment on sulfites
- β’ FDA sulfite labeling requirements for cosmetics
Last data verification: 2026-04-16
Related Ingredients
SODIUM SULFITE
AMMONIUM THIOGLYCOLATE
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5-Hydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-4-pyrone
KOJIC ACID
BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE
BENZYL ALCOHOL
Learn More
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is SODIUM BISULFITE banned in the EU but allowed in the US?
The EU follows a precautionary principle, banning SODIUM BISULFITE under III/99 V/9 due to potential safety concerns. The US FDA has not found sufficient evidence to prohibit its use, allowing it under different safety assessment standards. This reflects differing regulatory philosophies between the two regions.
Why is SODIUM BISULFITE banned in the EU but allowed in Japan?
The EU prohibits SODIUM BISULFITE (III/99 V/9) based on their strict safety criteria. Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) has evaluated the ingredient and permits its use, potentially with different safety data or usage conditions.
What is SODIUM BISULFITE used for in cosmetics?
SODIUM BISULFITE is primarily used for antioxidant in cosmetic products. It also serves as hair waving or straightening, preservative. The ingredient is commonly found in anti-aging serums and creams.
Which countries regulate SODIUM BISULFITE?
SODIUM BISULFITE is banned in EU. It has concentration limits or usage restrictions in UK. The ingredient is freely allowed in JP, US.
Are there alternatives to SODIUM BISULFITE?
Due to regulatory restrictions on SODIUM BISULFITE, cosmetic manufacturers often use alternative ingredients with similar functions. For antioxidant, alternatives may include other approved ingredients in the same category. Consult product labels for specific formulations, and look for products compliant with your region's regulations.
Disclaimer
The information on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While we strive for accuracy based on official government databases, cosmetic regulations change frequently. Always consult with a qualified professional or refer to the latest official regulatory documents for compliance. We are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided here.