Ingredient dictionary

Sodium Chloride

Also listed as: Salt

A simple mineral salt, made of sodium and chloride, used mainly to adjust thickness and balance a formula. It is on the label of 309 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: none for most people; check the full product list if your skin reacts easily.

What Sodium Chloride does

Thickens shampoos, body washes and cleansers
Helps shape the texture of lotions
Helps keep cleanser consistency smooth and even

Sodium chloride is the same mineral salt found in kitchens. Manufacturers usually get it from underground rock salt deposits or by evaporating seawater, then refine it to a high level of purity for cosmetic use. It is a small, colorless, water-soluble crystal that dissolves easily in water.

In shampoos, body washes and cleansers, it is one of the most common thickeners. Salt helps the cleaning agents, called surfactants, build a thicker, pourable texture, so formulators add it carefully. In lotions and moisturizers, it helps shape how rich a cream feels. It adds no scent of its own.

Good for

Suits most hair and skin types, and works in both rinse-off and leave-on products.

Be careful if

Nothing in particular for most skin types.

Frequently asked questions

Is sodium chloride the same as table salt?

Yes, in essence. Table salt is mostly sodium chloride, often with small amounts of additives. Cosmetic-grade sodium chloride is refined to a higher purity so it suits skin and hair products. The ingredient name on the label stays Sodium Chloride either way.

Does sodium chloride dry out skin?

It is not known for that. Sodium chloride is mainly used as a thickener and is present in small amounts. Drying in cleansers is more often linked to the cleaning agents themselves. If your skin feels tight after washing, check the full ingredient list and choose a gentler formula.