Sodium Borate Bad pH-adjuster-stabiliser No known benefits Sodium Borate at a glance General term for a type of highly alkaline salt Used as a detergent and pH adjuster Poses a risk of skin irritation Also known as borax Sodium Borate description Sodium borate is a generalized term for a sodium salt that also contains the elements boron and nitrogen. For the purposes of cosmetics, the type of sodium borate most used is a type referred to by the common name borax. Due to its highly alkaline nature, borax is used in cosmetics formulas, particularly cleansers, as a detergent and pH adjuster. It is recommended only for usage in very small amounts due to its irritant potential. This potential because greater when sodium borate is used on compromised skin; that is, skin that is cut, abraded, or has experienced barrier damage. The independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel ruled that sodium borate is safe in its current usage in cosmetics, if the amount is kept under a 5% concentration and it is not used on infant or injured skin. The average concentration of use in products is between 2-5%. As of September 2025, the CIR panel is waiting for updated information on the maximum concentration of usage of sodium borate in products applied near the eye area that might result in mucosal exposure. Related ingredients: Borate Borax