Ingredient Dictionary

SODIUM NITRITE

Sodium nitrite is an inorganic sodium salt having nitrite as the counterion.

Korean limit: 0.2%

SODIUM NITRITE Molecular structure — Molecular structure

Definition

Sodium nitrite is an inorganic sodium salt having nitrite as the counterion. Used as a food preservative and antidote to cyanide poisoning. It has a role as an antihypertensive agent, a poison, an antimicrobial food preservative, a food antioxidant and an antidote to cyanide poisoning. It is an inorganic sodium salt and a nitrite salt.

Source: PubChem

US FDA substance register · UNII M0KG633D4F · registered name Sodium nitrite · single chemical substance

Source: US FDA Unique Ingredient Identifier (UNII)

Cosmetic roles

Prevents corrosion of packaging and equipmentANTICORROSIVE

Safety & regulatory references

Restricted: United Kingdom

Source: ASEAN Cosmetic Directive · EU Cosmetics Regulation · MFDS (Korea) cosmetic regulatory information · UK cosmetics regulations (OPSS)

Argentina · Brazil

Field of application and/or use : Corrosion inhibitor
Maximum concentration permitted at final product : 0.2%
Other limitations and requirements : Do not use with secondary and/or tertiary amines or other substances forming nitrosamines

ASEAN

Field of application and/or use : Rust inhibitor
Maximum authorised concentration in the finished cosmetic product : 0.2%
Other limitations and requirements : Do not use with secondary and/or tertiary amines or other substances forming nitrosamines

China · South Korea

Maximum concentration : 0.2%

European Union

Product Type, body parts : Rust inhibitor
Maximum concentration in ready for use preparation : 0.2%
Other : Not to be used with secondary and/or tertiary amines or other substances forming nitrosamines

Source: MFDS (Korea) cosmetic regulatory information

Korea’s toxic-substance GHS classification: Danger · H400 (category 1) · H272 (category 2) · H301 (category 3) · +2 more

Source: Korea toxic substances GHS register (NIER)

EU Cosmetics Regulation, Annex III (restricted substances), entry 17 · maximum concentration 0.2% · applies to Rust inhibitor

Source: EU restricted substances (Annex III)

Restriction III/17

Source: EU CosIng ingredient list

More data — names, identifiers, properties, test records, literature

Official labels & definitions

JCIA labelling name 亜硝酸Ｎａ: 本品は、次の化学式で表される無機塩である。

Source: JCIA labelling names (Japan)

Names & identifiers

SODIUM NITRITEINCI소듐나이트라이트Korean label name (MFDS standard)Nitrous acid, sodium saltSynonym亜硝酸ＮａJapanese labelling name

CAS No.chemical registry number: 7632-00-0
EC No.EU chemical inventory number: 231-555-9
DTXSIDUS EPA chemical ID: DTXSID0020941
DTXCIDUS EPA compound ID: DTXCID00941

IUPAC: Sodium nitrite
Molecular formula: NNaO2
Molecular weight: 68.995 g/mol

Measured properties

Appearance: Sodium nitrite appears as a yellowish white crystalline solid. Noncombustible but will accelerate the burning of combustible material. If large quantities are involved in a fire or if the combustible material is finely divided, an explosion may result. If contaminated by ammonium compounds, spontaneous decomposition can occur and the resulting heat may ignite surrounding combustible material. Prol · Sodium nitrite solution appears as a clear colorless to yellow solution. Harmful to the environment and somewhat toxic. Used as a preservative, and to make other chemicals.
Boiling point: Decomposes at 608 °F (NTP, 1992) · 239 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999)
Melting point: 520 °F (NTP, 1992) · 30 °F (USCG, 1999)
Solubility: greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 66 °F (NTP, 1992) · Sol in water, moderately sol in methanol, sparingly soluble in diethyl ether
Density: 2.17 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water, will sink · 1.32 at 60.8 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water, will sink
Stability: Very slowly oxidizes to nitrate in air. · Soln of sodium nitrite are unstable & should be prepared directly before use, cannot be dispensed in acidic vehicles
pH: Aq soln is alkaline, pH about 9
Melting/freezing point: 271 ℃
Initial boiling point and range: &amp, gt, 320 ℃
Vapour pressure: 9.9 ㎪
Water solubility: 848 g/ℓ(25℃)
Relative density: 2.17 (g/cm3)
n-Octanol/water partition coefficient (Kow): -3.7 (at 25℃)
Molecular weight: 68.995

Values measured on the substance itself. The KOSHA data are a reference for writing and reviewing safety data sheets, not a specification for a commercial raw material.

Source: PubChem · KOSHA safety data sheets (Korea)

What products actually use it for

What the 105 products reported to the US EPA with this ingredient use it for. Products outside cosmetics are included, so the top few rows are its main uses.

Corrosion inhibitor59
Preservative10
Processing aids not otherwise specified10
Biocide3
Propellants, non-motive (blowing agents)2
Flavouring and nutrient2
pH regulating agent2
Oxidizing agent2

13 other uses

UV stabilizer2
Antioxidant2
Intermediate1
Dye1
Adhesion/cohesion promoter1
Heat transferring agent1
Fixing agent (mordant)1
Stabilizing agent1
Cleaning agent1
Food preservative (EPA)1
Pharmaceutical (EPA)1
Chemical reaction regulator1
Plating agent1

Source: US EPA CompTox dashboard

Irritation and sensitisation studies

2 skin studies and 2 eye studies are on record.

Classed as low1

The study conclusions largely agree (100%). These tests are on the raw material itself; irritation at the amount in a finished product is a different question.

See all 4 studies

Classification not possible
Skin Sensitization · Screening
Not classified
Skin Irritation · Screening
Category 2A
Eye Irritation · Screening
Category 6.4A (Category 2A)
Eye Irritation · Read Across