Sodium Phytate
Also known as Sodium phytate, Phytic acid sodium salt, Inositol hexaphosphate sodium salt, Sodium inositol hexaphosphate, Phytin (sodium form)
“CIR Expert Panel says: safe as used in cosmetics.”
Sodium Phytate (CAS 14306-25-3) is the sodium salt of phytic acid (inositol hexaphosphoric acid), a naturally occurring chelating agent derived from plant bran and seeds (primarily rice bran and maize). It functions as a chelating agent in cosmetics by binding divalent metal ions (Fe2+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cu2+), thereby stabilizing formulations and potentiating antimicrobial preservatives. According to 2017 VCRP data reviewed by CIR, Sodium Phytate was reported in 363 cosmetic products (225 leave-on), with use concentrations up to 2% in leave-on products. The CIR Expert Panel's final 2024 assessment (IJT 43(4_suppl):78-107) concluded that Sodium Phytate, Phytic Acid, Phytin, and Trisodium Inositol Triphosphate are safe in cosmetics at present use concentrations. Dermal penetration studies show phytic acid is systemically absorbed following topical application at cosmetic use levels, though no adverse effects were observed in clinical studies. One animal tumor-promotion study (urinary bladder, dietary 2% sodium phytate in a nitrosamine initiation model) is noted in the CIR record; the Panel concluded safety at cosmetic use concentrations. The ingredient is not listed on the EU prohibited or restricted substances lists.
Natural plant-derived chelating agent (rice bran, maize); marketed as alternative to synthetic EDTA salts
Chelates divalent metal ions (Fe2+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cu2+) to improve formulation stability and prevent metal-catalyzed oxidation
Potentiates antimicrobial preservatives by sequestering metal ions required for microbial growth
Antiphotocarcinogenic and anticarcinogenic effects demonstrated in animal studies (phytic acid)
Anti-inflammatory activity demonstrated in animal models
CIR Expert Panel concluded safe as used in cosmetics
- · Dermal absorption confirmed in animal and human studies (systemic phytic acid detected in urine following topical application); significance at cosmetic concentrations is assessed as low by CIR
- · One rodent dietary tumor-promotion study (urinary bladder, 2% dietary sodium phytate following nitrosamine initiation); not considered relevant at cosmetic use concentrations by CIR Expert Panel
- · Allergenicity: animal study (i.v. dosing model) indicated Sodium Phytate can act as a partial allergen (hapten); no skin sensitization studies at cosmetic use concentrations available
CIR Safety Assessment of Polyol Phosphates as Used in Cosmetics (Scientific Literature Review for Public Comment, Dec 2017) — covers Sodi…
Johnson W Jr et al. Safety Assessment of Polyol Phosphates as Used in Cosmetics. Int J Toxicol. 2024;43(4_suppl):78-107. PMID 39046084
“Sodium Phytate, Phytic Acid, Phytin, and Trisodium Inositol Triphosphate are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration described in the safety assessment.”— Int J Toxicol 43(4_suppl):78-107, 2024 — abstract conclusion (PMID 39046084)