Calcium Chloride

Good

Texture enhancer

No known benefits

Calcium Chloride at a glance

  • Inorganic salt compound of calcium + chlorine
  • Used in cosmetics as a texture enhancer + encapsulator
  • Serves multiple functions in food products
  • White, crystalline solid in its raw form

Calcium Chloride description

Calcium chloride is an inorganic salt that is a compound of calcium and chlorine. It is a multifunctional ingredient, serving several purposes in food products, such as increasing firmness, adding salty flavor, or even as an electrolyte in sports drinks. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ruled calcium chloride to be Generally Recognized as Safe for direct addition to food. In cosmetics, calcium chloride is largely used as a texture enhancer, where it helps with a formula’s viscosity. It’s also been used as part of encapsulation technology in skin care products, including in sunscreen formulas. In its raw form, calcium chloride is a white crystalline solid at room temperature and is water soluble. Usage levels of calcium chloride in cosmetics tend to be between 0.1–0.2% of the formula. It is often found in blends with approved cosmetic pigments.

Calcium Chloride references

  • Molecules, February 2022, page 1148
  • https://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredients/calcium-chloride/
  • https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-E/part-582/subpart-G/section-582.6193

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.