What it is
Sodium sulfate is a common inorganic salt that dissolves readily in water. In formulations it is used to adjust viscosity and as a bulking agent, and the electrolyte it provides can influence the thickness of surfactant- or polymer-based systems. In sunscreens it appears as a minor processing or texture additive.
Safety & warnings
Generally well tolerated at cosmetic levels and non-comedogenic; concentrated solutions can be mildly drying or irritating. It is not a known fragrance allergen.
Origin & sourcing
An inorganic mineral salt, obtained from natural deposits or as an industrial byproduct.
Questions everyone asks
What is sodium sulfate doing in my sunscreen?
It is typically a minor additive used to adjust viscosity or as a bulking agent, not a functional sun-protection ingredient.
Is sodium sulfate the same as a sulfate surfactant?
No. It is a simple inorganic salt, unrelated to detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate.