Sodium Chloride

What is Sodium Chloride?

Sodium Chloride, better known as common salt, is frequently used in skincare and personal care products as a thickener, texturizer, and gentle exfoliant. It’s often included in body scrubs, shampoos, and certain cleansers to create a gritty texture for exfoliating dead skin cells and lifting impurities. Additionally, it’s used as a viscosity-increasing agent, giving products a thicker, more stable texture.

Why do I have an intolerance?

Some people may develop intolerance to sodium chloride, especially if they have sensitive or dry skin. Sodium chloride can cause dryness or irritation because it draws moisture from the skin’s surface, leading to a tight or flaky feeling after prolonged exposure. High concentrations of sodium chloride in a formulation may also aggravate conditions like eczema or rosacea.

What can I do about it?

If sodium chloride leaves your skin feeling dry or irritated, try avoiding products with high concentrations of it and look for alternatives that use gentler exfoliants, like sugar, oatmeal, or jojoba beads. Following up with a hydrating moisturizer or using sodium chloride-containing products less frequently can help manage its drying effects while still reaping its exfoliating benefits.