Sodium Formate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: 141-53-7, Formic acid, Sodium salt, Salachlor, Sodium salt (1:1), Mravencan sodny, FORMIC ACID, NA SALT, Refined, Formic acid sodium salt (1:1)
Synthetic
Preservative
Clean
The CIR Expert Panel concluded that formic acid and sodium formate are safe in the present practices of use and concentration in cosmetics, as described in this safety assessment, when formulated to be non-irritating.
Solubility SLIGHTLY SOLUBLE IN ALCOHOL, INSOL IN ETHER
Formula
CHNaO2
Mol. Weight
68.01
CAS #
141-53-7
Form
Powder
State
Other Solid; Liquid; Dry Powder; Dry Powder, Liquid; Pellets or Large Crystals
Functions
Preservative
Keeps your product from growing bacteria, mold, or yeast. Without these, that jar of cream becomes a petri dish in about a week.
Preserves Formula
Antioxidant Protection
Locks In Moisture
Prevents microbial growth
Traditional Use
Synthesized as a modern preservative and buffering agent in the 20th century. Used in cosmetics to maintain product stability and control pH without the traditional need for natural preservatives.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not an Irritant
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
0.5%
0%1%
Reg. Limit
EU regulatory limit: 0.5%. Source: EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, Annex V (Preservatives), Entry 14.
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR