murphySodium Hexametaphosphate
AKA: Hexasodium hexametaphosphate, Chemi-charl, Calgon S, Calgon (old), Hexasodium metaphosphate, HSDB 5053, Natrium hexametaphosphat
Synthetic
Chelating Agent
Not Clean
OriginSodium hexametaphosphate is synthesized from phosphoric acid and sodium compounds through thermal condensation reactions. The compound is produced by heating sodium phosphate precursors at high temperatures to form the polymeric phosphate chain structure.
The CIR Expert Panel concluded that the following 31 ingredients are safe in the present practices of use and concentration in cosmetics as described in this safety assessment, when formulated to be non-irritating...Sodium Hexametaphosphate...
Solubility CLEAR, HYGROSCOPIC GLASS; MP 628 °C; SOL IN WATER, BUT DISSOLVES SLOWLY; DEPOLYMERIZES IN AQ SOLN TO FORM SODIUM TRIMETAPHOSPHATE & SODIUM ORTHOPHOSPHATES. /POLYMERIC SODIUM METAPHOSPHATES/
Formula
Na6O18P6
Mol. Weight
611.77
CAS #
10124-56-8, 10361-03-2, 68915-31-1
Form
Powder
State
Polymeric sodium metaphosphates: Clear hygroscopic solid; Soluble in water; [HSDB] White odorless granules; [MSDSonline]
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Anticorrosive
Chelating
Grabs onto metal ions in water that would destabilize the formula. Keeps your product from going bad or changing color.
Antioxidant
Anti-Inflammatory
Moisturizing
Provides scent
Prevents product degradation
Binds metal ions
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
3
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Mixed Eye Irritation Results
2 studies / 2 mixed / reactions minimal to corrosive (CIR 333 and 710)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
6 studies / 4 irritating / 2 not irritating / reactions slight to corrosive (CIR 333 and 710)
Concentration Guide
CIR lists it as not reported to be in use.
CIR · report published 2021
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR