STRONTIUM CHLORIDE
Commonly Found In
Overview
Strontium chloride is an inorganic compound used as the active ingredient in sensitive skin and sensitive teeth products. It may help reduce nerve sensitivity by competing with calcium ions at nerve endings. The original Sensodyne formula contained strontium chloride. The EU restricts it under Annex III/57. Japan and the US permit its use.
Also known as: SrCl2, strontium dichloride, strontium(II) chloride
Key Benefits
Studies suggest strontium chloride may reduce nerve sensitivity in skin and dentine, potentially through competition with calcium at sensory nerve receptors, which may help with sensitive skin and tooth sensitivity. Clinical evidence in oral care is established; topical skin evidence is more limited.
Supporting Research
- β’ Orchardson R & Gillam DG (2006): Review of strontium salts in dentine hypersensitivity treatment β mechanism involves tubule occlusion and nerve desensitization
- β’ Zhai H et al. (2006): Strontium nitrate/chloride topical application may reduce acute skin irritation in clinical studies
Skin Compatibility Ratings
Comedogenic Rating
Non-comedogenic; used in sensitive skin and anti-irritancy formulations.
Source: CIR Expert Panel; published anti-irritancy data
Irritancy Rating
Non-irritating; strontium chloride is specifically used as an anti-irritant in cosmetics, reducing nerve-mediated sensations like stinging and burning. Well-tolerated in clinical studies on sensitive skin populations.
Source: Zhai & Maibach 2001 (Skin Research and Technology); CIR safety assessment
Typical Use Concentration
Range
0.5β10% (as strontium chloride hexahydrate)
Optimal
8β10% for sensitive toothpaste
EU Annex III/57 provides concentration limits for permitted uses. US/Japan: no specific cosmetic concentration limits.
Works Well With / Avoid
Works Well With
Use With Caution
EU Annex III/57: restricted in EU. Japan and US permit it. Primary application in sensitive toothpaste and sensitive skin formulations. Non-radioactive; safe for topical use.
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/57) | Official β |
π Why Regulations Differ
EU Annex III/57 restricts strontium chloride with specific concentration limits. Japan and US permit it in sensitive oral and skin care products. The EU restriction is precautionary; ingredient has an established use history in sensitive toothpaste.
Regulation Analysis
Regional Agreement
Banned in EU but allowed in USA, Japan.
Category Comparison
There are 44 ingredients in the ORAL CARE category. 100% are banned in at least one major market.
Strictness Ranking
πΏ Natural Sources
Strontium occurs naturally in the minerals celestine (strontium sulfate) and strontianite (strontium carbonate). Named after the Scottish village of Strontian where it was first discovered in 1790.
π How It's Made
Produced by dissolving strontium carbonate in hydrochloric acid. Strontium carbonate itself is produced from celestine ore through reduction and leaching.
π Uses in Cosmetics
Used in sensitive toothpaste (typically 8β10% strontium chloride hexahydrate) and sensitive skin products. Studies suggest it may reduce dentine hypersensitivity and skin nerve sensitivity through ion channel interaction.
π¬ Other Applications
Used in toothpaste for sensitive teeth, fireworks (red color), flares, glass manufacturing (cathode ray tubes), and in some pharmaceutical applications.
π‘ Fun Facts
- β’ Strontium chloride was the first desensitizing agent approved for use in toothpaste for sensitive teeth (Sensodyne originally contained it)
- β’ Strontium compounds produce a brilliant red color in fireworks β that red flash comes from excited strontium atoms
- β’ Despite sharing the periodic table neighborhood with radioactive strontium-90 (nuclear fallout), natural strontium is not radioactive and is completely safe
Related Skin Concerns
Data Sources
- β’ EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 Annex III entry 57
- β’ Orchardson R & Gillam DG (2006) β Dentine hypersensitivity review
- β’ Zhai H et al. (2006) β Strontium and skin irritation reduction
Last data verification: 2026-04-16
Related Ingredients
ZINC CHLORIDE
5-Ureidohydantoin
ALLANTOIN
ALLANTOIN PABA
AMMI MAJUS EXTRACT
CALCIUM FLUORIDE
CANNABIDIOL - DERIVED FROM EXTRACT OR TINCTURE OR RESIN OF CANNABIS
Learn More
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is STRONTIUM CHLORIDE banned in the EU but allowed in the US?
The EU follows a precautionary principle, banning STRONTIUM CHLORIDE under III/57 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 STRONTIUM CHLORIDE banned in the EU but allowed in Japan?
The EU prohibits STRONTIUM CHLORIDE (III/57) 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 STRONTIUM CHLORIDE used for in cosmetics?
STRONTIUM CHLORIDE is primarily used for oral care in cosmetic products. It also serves as skin conditioning, soothing. The ingredient is commonly found in various cosmetic and personal care products.
Which countries regulate STRONTIUM CHLORIDE?
STRONTIUM CHLORIDE 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 STRONTIUM CHLORIDE?
Due to regulatory restrictions on STRONTIUM CHLORIDE, cosmetic manufacturers often use alternative ingredients with similar functions. For oral care, 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.