Sodium Propionate is the sodium salt of propionic acid and a specialty cosmetic ingredient used primarily for its preservative functionality. Its INCI name is SODIUM PROPIONATE. It is identified by CAS No. 137-40-6, EC No. 205-290-4, has the molecular formula C₃H₅NaO₂, and a molecular weight of 96.06 g/mol. Sodium Propionate is also known as sodium propanoate and propionic acid sodium salt.
The material is generally supplied as white or colourless transparent crystals or a granular crystalline powder. It is hygroscopic and readily soluble in water. Its water-soluble salt form makes it suitable for incorporation into aqueous formulation systems where propionate-based preservation functionality is required.
Sodium Propionate belongs to the propionate family that also includes Calcium Propionate, Potassium Propionate, Magnesium Propionate and Propionic Acid. Although these ingredients have related chemistry, each has a different chemical identity and should be maintained as a separate cosmetic raw material.
Sodium Propionate has the chemical formula C₃H₅NaO₂ and molecular weight 96.06 g/mol. It is formed by neutralization of propionic acid with a sodium source and exists as an ionic propionate salt.
USP-NF currently defines Sodium Propionate, dried at 105°C for two hours, as containing 98.0–102.0% sodium propionate. An earlier USP-NF specification reported 99.0–100.5%, so the applicable edition and actual commercial grade should be clearly identified when publishing a specification.
Importantly, the USP assay is titrimetric rather than HPLC. Therefore, a numerical value should not be labelled “Assay (HPLC)” unless the actual SDP product is tested by a validated HPLC method.
Sodium Propionate is primarily used as a preservative in cosmetic formulations. Its preservative function is associated with propionic acid/propionate chemistry and its ability to contribute to microbial-control systems.
The practical effectiveness of Sodium Propionate depends on the complete formulation, particularly pH, concentration, water activity and the microorganisms that need to be controlled. It should therefore be considered as one component of a complete preservation strategy rather than as an independent guarantee of microbiological stability.
Its salt form can also provide formulation advantages where a water-soluble propionate source is preferred.
Sodium Propionate Cosmetic Ingredient can be considered for selected personal-care and cosmetic formulations, including:
Sodium Propionate is highly water-compatible. A reference FCC specification describes approximately 1 g dissolving in about 1 mL of water at 25°C, while a 1:10 aqueous solution has a pH of 8.0–10.5.
The final concentration should be determined according to the formulation, preservation challenge and applicable regulatory requirements.
Sodium Propionate is hygroscopic, so protection from excessive moisture during storage is important. The material should be maintained in suitable, tightly closed packaging to preserve its physical and chemical quality.
pH is an important formulation parameter because propionate preservation chemistry is influenced by the acid-base balance of the formulation. A reference 1:10 aqueous solution has a pH range of 8.0–10.5.
For commercial raw-material control, assay, moisture, water-insoluble matter, iron, lead and other relevant impurities can be monitored. The exact specification should correspond to the actual commercial grade rather than combining limits from different standards.
Sodium Propionate is a specialty cosmetic ingredient and preservative raw material for manufacturers developing personal-care formulations. Businesses sourcing Sodium Propionate in India may require defined purity, moisture, pH, water-insoluble matter and elemental impurity specifications together with batch-level technical documentation.
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The selected grade should be matched to the intended cosmetic application and target market. Food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic specifications should only be claimed where the actual supplied material meets the relevant standard.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White or colourless crystals / white powder |
| Assay (HPLC) | 97.0% – 103.0% |
| Loss on Drying | NMT 1.0% |
| pH (1% Solution) | 8.0–10.5 |
| Total Impurities | NMT 1.0% |
| Water Content | NMT 1.0% |