Potassium Sulfite
A cosmetic ingredient used as antioxidant, hair waving or straightening, preservative in skincare, haircare, and personal-care products sold in the European Union.
What is it?
Potassium sulphite
What does it do?
Potassium Sulfite is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:
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Antioxidant
neutralises free radicals to slow oxidative damage to the formulation or skin
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Hair waving or straightening
permanently changes the shape of hair through chemical reduction and re-oxidation of the hair's disulfide bonds
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Preservative
prevents microbial growth in cosmetic products, extending shelf life and protecting users
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Reducing
a reducing agent — donates electrons to break chemical bonds, used in perms and depilatories
EU regulatory status
This ingredient is restricted in the European Union.
Potassium Sulfite is listed under Annex III of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 (entry 99V). It is permitted only under specific conditions, concentration limits, or in particular product types.
Notes: /9
Frequently asked questions
What is Potassium Sulfite?
Potassium Sulfite is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. Potassium sulphite
Is Potassium Sulfite allowed in cosmetics in the EU?
Only with restrictions. Potassium Sulfite is permitted in EU cosmetics only under specific conditions defined in Annex III of Regulation 1223/2009.
What does Potassium Sulfite do in cosmetic products?
Potassium Sulfite is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: antioxidant, hair waving or straightening, preservative, reducing.
What is the CAS number of Potassium Sulfite?
The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for Potassium Sulfite is 10117-38-1 / 23873-77-0.
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Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 11/08/2020