What is "Sodium Nitrate" and what is its utility?

What is "Sodium Nitrate" and what is its utility?

Presented as a colorless to white powder, Sodium Nitrate, or nitrate de sodium, is used in the composition of oral care or skin care products. What should you know about this ingredient? What is its purpose? We provide some explanations about this ingredient.

Summary
Published November 5, 2021, updated on February 2, 2024, by Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences — 2 min read

What is Sodium Nitrate?

Sodium Nitrate is the INCI name for sodium nitrate, a synthetically derived ingredient that can be found in the composition of oral care or skin care products. Sodium nitrate is used as a food additive in processed meats under the number E251.

What is its utility?

Sodium nitrate utilized in numerous fields:

  • In the industry (to combat corrosion);

  • In agriculture (as an additive in nitrogen-containing fertilizers);

  • In the field of recycling (to produce aqua regia and recycle gold in electronic components).

In the field of cosmetology, sodium nitrate is used in the formulation of cleansing gels, conditioners, and body lotions.

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