What Is Sodium Chlorite?
Sodium chlorite is the sodium salt of chlorous acid, a white to pale yellow crystalline powder that dissolves easily in water. It is produced through the reaction of chlorine dioxide with sodium hydroxide, then carefully dried to retain stability. First synthesized in the early 1900s for water purification, it later found a place in cosmetic labs because of its strong yet controllable oxidising power. Today formulators turn to sodium chlorite when they need a mild but effective agent that can freshen breath and stabilise product colour. You will most often spot it in mouthwashes, whitening toothpastes, breath sprays and occasionally in rinse-off masks or cleansers where a gentle oxidising boost is desired.
Sodium Chlorite’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient serves more than one purpose in personal care formulas
- Oral Care: Sodium chlorite helps neutralise odour-causing compounds in the mouth so products like mouthwash or toothpaste leave breath fresher for longer. Its mild antimicrobial action also supports overall oral hygiene
- Oxidising: As an oxidising agent it keeps formulas stable by preventing unwanted colour changes and can assist in breaking down stains on teeth for a brighter appearance
Who Can Use Sodium Chlorite
Sodium chlorite is generally considered suitable for most skin types when used in rinse-off products like cleansers and masks. Normal, oily and combination skin tend to tolerate it well. Very sensitive or broken skin may feel a slight sting or dryness because the ingredient is an oxidiser, so anyone with conditions such as eczema should proceed with caution and choose formulas that keep the concentration low.
The compound is mineral based and produced synthetically, meaning it contains no animal by-products, so vegans and vegetarians can comfortably use products that feature it as long as the brand itself follows cruelty-free practices.
No specific warnings exist for pregnant or breastfeeding women regarding topical or oral-care use of sodium chlorite in cosmetics. Absorption through skin or oral tissues is minimal at the doses found in consumer products, but this is not medical advice. Expectant or nursing mothers should still run any product past their healthcare provider to be on the safe side.
Sodium chlorite does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and it is not linked to photosensitivity. The ingredient also plays well with most actives although it can neutralise very strong reducing agents, so formulating chemists avoid pairing those together.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to the topical use of sodium chlorite differ from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects that could occur, but they are uncommon when the product is correctly formulated and used as directed.
- Mild stinging or burning sensation on very sensitive skin or mucous membranes
- Temporary dryness or tightness especially in leave-on formats
- Redness or irritation if used on broken or inflamed skin
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis presenting as rash or itching
- Unpleasant metallic taste in oral-care products if concentration is too high
- Discoloration of fabrics or towels if the product spills and is not rinsed out promptly
If any of these effects occur stop using the product and seek guidance from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0/5 – Sodium chlorite is a water-soluble salt that does not leave an oily film on skin or clog pores. It rinses away completely in water-based formulas and is used at very low percentages, so it poses virtually no risk of trapping dead cells or sebum that could lead to breakouts. For these reasons it is considered non-comedogenic and is generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or congestion.
Because sodium chlorite is not an emollient, it will not add any occlusive layer that might interfere with other acne-fighting ingredients. Its main cosmetic role is as an oxidising agent in oral care and occasionally in rinse-off masks, so direct prolonged contact with facial skin is rare.
Summary
Sodium chlorite works in cosmetics by neutralising odour-causing compounds in the mouth and by acting as a gentle oxidiser that keeps product colour stable and helps lift surface stains on teeth. It achieves these effects thanks to its ability to release controlled amounts of chlorine dioxide when exposed to water, which in turn targets bacteria and discoloration.
The ingredient is far more common in mouthwashes and whitening toothpastes than in skin care, so it does not enjoy the mainstream spotlight that trendy actives like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide receive. Still, formulators appreciate its reliability in oral care products where fresh breath and colour stability are key.
At the concentrations found in consumer goods sodium chlorite has a solid safety record with minimal risk of irritation for most users, provided it is used as directed. As with any new product it is wise to perform a quick patch test first to make sure your individual skin or oral tissue agrees with the formula.