What Is Sodium silicate?
Sodium silicate is a white powder or solid substance that can be used in cosmetics as an anticorrosive and buffer. It can also be used as a glue when concentrated in water. However, it is important to handle it with care as it can be irritating to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes and even toxic if ingested. Sodium silicate is an inorganic sodium salt that contains silicate and is sometimes added to food products.
What is the purpose of Sodium silicate in personal care products?
It is used for its anti-corrosive
and buffering characteristics.
Sodium silicate protects packaging material from corrosion and regulates the pH balance.
What Are Anti-Corrosive Ingredients?
Sodium silicate has anti-corrosive characteristics.
Anti-corrosive ingredients are substances added to the packaging material to prevent it from corrosion. Corrosion occurs when the packaging material reacts with the product's contents, causing it to deteriorate and potentially contaminate the product.
To prevent this issue, manufacturers add anti-corrosive ingredients to the packaging material. These ingredients form a protective layer on the surface of the packaging, which prevents the product's contents from coming into contact with the packaging material. Adding these ingredients helps to prolong the product's shelf life and maintain its quality.
Anti-corrosive ingredients can come in various forms, such as coatings, laminates, or barriers. Some common anti-corrosive ingredients used in cosmetic packaging include epoxy resins, polyvinyl chloride, and polyethylene.
What Are Buffering Ingredients?
Sodium silicate has buffering characteristics.
Buffering ingredients helps regulate and maintain the pH balance of cosmetic products. The pH scale is a method used to determine a mixture's acidity or alkalinity level. Our skin's natural pH balance helps it stay healthy and function properly. When cosmetic products are applied to the skin, they can alter the pH balance, potentially causing irritation or other adverse effects.
Buffering ingredients neutralize or adjust the pH of cosmetic products to match that of the skin, which helps minimize the risk of irritation or damage. By maintaining a consistent pH balance, buffering ingredients can also improve the stability and effectiveness of a product's active ingredients.
Types of Buffering Ingredients
Here are some of the most common types of buffering ingredients:
Alkalis: These have a high pH and are used to neutralize acids. They help maintain the product's pH within a desired range.
Acids: These have a low pH and are used to neutralize alkalis. They help maintain the cosmetic product's pH within a desired range.
Salts: These are formed when an acid and a base (alkali) are mixed. They help maintain the cosmetic product's stability by preventing changes in pH caused by external factors such as heat or exposure to air.
Safety
Remember, always read and follow the instructions provided on product labels carefully. If you have any questions or concerns about using a product containing various ingredients, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before use.