What Is Sodium Bisulfate?
Sodium bisulfate, also known as sodium hydrogen sulfate, is an inorganic salt derived from sulfuric acid. In simple terms, it is produced by reacting sulfuric acid with sodium chloride or sodium hydroxide, then drying the resulting crystals. This white, water-soluble powder has been used for decades in household cleaners and pool pH adjusters, and formulators later recognized that its gentle acidifying ability could be valuable in personal care products.
Because it efficiently lowers pH without contributing unwanted mineral residues, sodium bisulfate became a handy option for stabilizing the acidity of everything from facial cleansers to exfoliating masks. You will most often spot it in liquid cleansers, peel pads, clarifying shampoos and occasional anti-aging or brightening serums where a controlled, mildly acidic environment improves product performance and shelf stability.
Sodium Bisulfate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
The primary role of sodium bisulfate in cosmetics is buffering. By keeping a formula’s pH in the ideal range, it helps preserve the product, allows active ingredients to work as intended and supports the skin’s natural slightly acidic balance, leading to a milder feel and reduced risk of irritation.
Who Can Use Sodium Bisulfate
Sodium bisulfate is generally suitable for all skin types, including oily, combination, normal and even sensitive skin, because it is used at low levels and serves mainly to balance pH rather than act directly on the skin. Those with very compromised or freshly exfoliated skin may feel a mild tingle if the surrounding formula is already acidic, but most people tolerate it well.
The ingredient is synthetic and mineral based, so it contains no animal-derived substances and is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Current research shows no specific risks linked to topical sodium bisulfate for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. That said, this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should run any skincare product past a doctor just to be safe.
Sodium bisulfate does not increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. As with any skincare routine, daily sunscreen is still a good idea for overall skin health.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical sodium bisulfate vary from person to person. The following is a list of potential side effects that could occur, but most users will not experience these issues when the ingredient is used correctly in a finished product.
- Mild stinging or tingling especially on freshly exfoliated or broken skin
- Temporary redness if the surrounding formula is very acidic
- Dryness when used in over-exfoliating routines that already disturb the moisture barrier
- Contact irritation in rare cases of individual sensitivity to sulfates
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
If any of these effects occur stop using the product and seek guidance from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 (non-comedogenic). Sodium bisulfate is a small, water-soluble mineral salt that dissolves completely in water-based formulas and rinses clean without leaving an oily film on the skin. Because it does not block pores or sit on the surface, it carries virtually no risk of triggering blackheads or whiteheads. This makes it suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin. In rare situations where a formula is overly acidic overall, irritation could indirectly upset blemish-prone skin, but that would stem from the product’s pH rather than the salt itself.
Summary
Sodium bisulfate’s main job in cosmetics is buffering. By nudging a formula to the ideal slightly acidic pH, it keeps active ingredients stable, supports the skin’s own acid mantle and helps preserve the product. It accomplishes this thanks to its ability to donate or absorb hydrogen ions as needed, a simple chemistry trick that happens quietly behind the scenes.
The ingredient is not a headline grabber. It sits in the background of cleansers, peel pads and shampoos doing dependable pH work while flashier actives get the spotlight. Still, formulators value it because it is cost-effective, vegan friendly and generally well tolerated.
Overall safety is high: scientific reviews show low irritation potential at the low percentages used in personal care. As with any new skincare product, a quick patch test is smart so you can confirm your own tolerance before applying it more widely.