murphySodium Formate
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
OriginSodium formate is a salt derived from formic acid, the simplest carboxylic acid in the chemical family. It is synthesized through neutralization of formic acid with sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate.
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
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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
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.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Skin Irritant
2 studies / 2 not irritating (CIR 626)
Eye Irritant in Testing
1 study / 1 irritating / reactions moderate to severe (CIR 626)
Concentration Guide
Leave-onNot reported
Rinse-off0.0005–0.34%
0%50%100%
Reg. limit 0.5%
CIR reported use · 2012 survey
EU regulatory limit: 0.5%. Source: EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, Annex V (Preservatives), Entry 14.
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR