Ingredient
Sodium Borate
Sodium Borate is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, postpartum, PCOS and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is endocrine disruptor and fetal development.
- Borax
- Sodium Tetraborate
- Disodium Tetraborate
Verdict by profile
Truva checks every ingredient against six profiles. Jump to any of them for the full assessment.
- Strongest verdict
- Not Recommended
- Its verdict for pregnancy, the profile this one is worst in
- Profiles flagged
- 6 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 3 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Sodium Borate and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Endocrine disruptor
- Fetal development
- Known teratogen
Sodium borate (borax) is a boron compound used as a pH adjuster and preservative in cosmetics. It helps stabilize emulsions and control product acidity. While commonly found in some cosmetic formulations, it has raised significant reproductive health concerns. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has classified sodium borate as toxic to reproduction, with animal studies showing adverse effects on fertility and fetal development. Boron compounds can be absorbed through the skin and may accumulate in the body. According to ECHA, sodium borate may damage fertility and the unborn child. The mechanism involves potential endocrine disruption and developmental toxicity. While the exact risk from cosmetic use is debated, regulatory bodies have taken a precautionary approach. ACOG and most healthcare providers recommend avoiding products containing sodium borate during pregnancy due to reproductive toxicity concerns. The EU Cosmetics Regulation prohibits its use in products for children under 3 and severely restricts concentrations in other products. Pregnant women should avoid cosmetics listing sodium borate, borax, or sodium tetraborate in the ingredients.
Sodium Borate and breastfeeding
Not Recommended
- Passes into breast milk
- Infant exposure
- Endocrine disruptor
Sodium borate is a boron compound that can be absorbed through skin and has potential for systemic circulation. Boron can transfer into breast milk, and sodium borate's reproductive toxicity classification raises concerns for breastfed infants. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) classifies sodium borate as toxic to reproduction and development. While specific studies on transfer to breast milk are limited, boron compounds are known to circulate systemically and could potentially affect infant development. Pediatric and lactation experts recommend avoiding sodium borate during breastfeeding as a precautionary measure. Most healthcare providers and lactation consultants advise breastfeeding mothers to avoid cosmetics containing sodium borate. The EU's severe restrictions on this ingredient reflect concerns about exposure to vulnerable populations, including breastfed infants. Choose products with alternative pH adjusters and preservatives during lactation.
Sodium Borate and postpartum
Caution Advised
- Endocrine disruptor
- Irritant
Sodium borate has been classified by ECHA as a reproductive toxicant with potential endocrine-disrupting properties. While postpartum women who are not breastfeeding have fewer immediate concerns compared to pregnancy or lactation, the ingredient still carries reproductive health warnings. For women considering future pregnancies or concerned about hormonal balance during postpartum recovery, avoiding sodium borate is advisable. The ingredient can be absorbed through skin and may affect hormone regulation. Additionally, it can cause skin irritation, which may be more problematic for sensitive postpartum skin. Consider choosing products with safer alternative preservatives and pH adjusters.
Sodium Borate and trying to conceive
Not Recommended
- Fertility effects
- Endocrine disruptor
- Builds up in tissue
Sodium borate is classified by ECHA as toxic to reproduction, with animal studies showing adverse effects on fertility. For women trying to conceive, this ingredient should be avoided due to its potential impact on reproductive health. The European Chemicals Agency's reproductive toxicity classification specifically notes that sodium borate may damage fertility. While most studies involve high-dose exposure, regulatory bodies have taken a precautionary approach. Women trying to conceive should discontinue use of products containing sodium borate and switch to alternatives with safer reproductive profiles.
Sodium Borate and PCOS
Caution Advised
- Endocrine disruptor
- Interferes with hormones
Sodium borate has been identified as having potential endocrine-disrupting properties by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). For women with PCOS, who already experience hormonal imbalances, exposure to endocrine disruptors may be particularly concerning. While specific studies on sodium borate and PCOS are lacking, the ingredient's classification as a reproductive toxicant suggests it could potentially interfere with hormone regulation. Women with PCOS may want to avoid this ingredient as a precautionary measure, especially given the availability of safer alternatives for pH adjustment and preservation. Dermatologists and endocrinologists often recommend that women with PCOS minimize exposure to potential endocrine disruptors. Given the EU's restrictions on sodium borate and its reproductive toxicity classification, choosing products with alternative ingredients is advisable for women managing PCOS.
Sodium Borate and general use
Caution Advised
- Irritant
- Endocrine disruptor
Sodium borate (borax) is a boron compound used in cosmetics as a pH adjuster, emulsifier, and preservative. While it has been used in personal care products for many years, regulatory scrutiny has increased due to toxicity concerns. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has classified sodium borate as toxic to reproduction, leading to severe restrictions in the EU. The ingredient can cause skin irritation, particularly at higher concentrations or with prolonged exposure. Studies have raised concerns about endocrine disruption and reproductive toxicity. While cosmetic concentrations are typically low, regulatory bodies have adopted a precautionary approach. The EU Cosmetics Regulation prohibits sodium borate in products for children under 3 years and restricts concentrations to 0.1% in other products. Health Canada also limits its use. Many manufacturers have reformulated to remove sodium borate in favor of safer alternatives. Consumers, particularly those of reproductive age or with sensitive skin, may wish to choose products with alternative pH adjusters and preservatives.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of Sodium Borate, each one with its own page here.
Ingredients that raise the same concerns.
Where this came from
Truva summarises published guidance from bodies including ACOG, the FDA, the EU SCCS and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. It has no access to your medical history and it is not a substitute for your doctor, dermatologist or midwife. These assessments have not been reviewed by a clinician, and nothing here is a diagnosis or a prescription. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for PCOS, take the ingredient list to the person looking after you.
Assessment last pulled from the ingredient database on .
One ingredient is the easy case.
A label has thirty of them. Truva reads the whole list at once and answers for the profile you set: pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum, trying to conceive, PCOS, or general use.
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