Sodium Hexametaphosphate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Hexasodium hexametaphosphate, Chemi-charl, Calgon S, Calgon (old), Hexasodium metaphosphate, HSDB 5053, Natrium hexametaphosphat
Synthetic
Chelating Agent
Not Clean
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]
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
Traditional Use
Synthesized in the 20th century as a chelating agent and water softener. Used in cosmetics to prevent mineral buildup and improve product stability, particularly in formulations with hard water.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR