Is sodium metabisulfite safe during pregnancy?
Reviewed by VeriMom Editorial Team · Last reviewed
Pregnancy-Safe Ingredients Database — 28,000+ Ingredients Rated
sodium metabisulfite
NO KNOWN RISKS93
/100
0









Pregnancy-safe products containing sodium metabisulfite

A BONNÉ
A BONNÉ Spa Milk Salt
99/100

OLAY
Olay Pitaya & Cranberry Seed Exfoliating Face & Body Powder
99/100

Corthe
Corthe Super Enzyme Powder
99/100

Luna Bronze
Luna Bronze Solar Eclipse Clear Tanning Mousse
99/100

Re'equil
Re'equil 15% Vitamin C Serum For Hyperpigmentation (EAA)
99/100

Nameera
Nameera Pure Glow Moisturising Lipstick
99/100

Senka
Senka Perfect Whip White
98/100

ELEMIS
Elemis Ice-cool Foaming Shave Gel
98/100

Shiseido Senka
Shiseido Senka Perfect Whip Foam Wash
98/100

MixX laboratory
MixX laboratory Idebenone 1% Tightening Essence
98/100
Related ingredients
See also
Sources & references
Authoritative references used to score this ingredient.
Frequently asked questions
- Is sodium metabisulfite safe during pregnancy?
- No harmonised reproductive classification (ECHA Annex VI lists only H302 and H318 for sodium metabisulfite), and there is no strong evidence of reproductive or developmental toxicity in the authoritative sources consulted. Primary hazards are acute (harmful if swallowed, serious eye damage) rather than reproductive. Systemic absorption from topical cosmetic use is expected to be low but measurable for a small, water‑soluble salt, so exposure score is 1.
- Is sodium metabisulfite safe while breastfeeding?
- No evidence of reproductive or lactation-specific toxicity in the regulatory sources; main classifications are acute (H302, H318). With low but possible systemic exposure after dermal use, transfer into breastmilk is unlikely but cannot be fully excluded; therefore exposure scored as low (1).
- Is sodium metabisulfite safe for baby skin?
- No infant-specific reproductive or developmental hazards identified. Because infant skin has a higher surface‑area‑to‑weight ratio and less mature barrier, dermal exposure score is increased by +1 (adult e=1 → infant e=2). Additionally, sulfite salts can be irritating and some individuals have sulfite sensitivities, so topical use on baby skin could increase risk of local irritation or allergic response even if systemic reproductive risk is not indicated.
- How does VeriMom score sodium metabisulfite?
- VeriMom scores sodium metabisulfite at 93/100 (no known risks) based on EU CosIng status, ECHA hazard classifications, and peer-reviewed PubMed studies. Our scoring pipeline is fully transparent.
- What are pregnancy-safe alternatives to sodium metabisulfite?
- See our curated list of pregnancy-safe alternatives to sodium metabisulfite based on similar function and a no-known-risks safety band.
Check your own skincare
Paste any product's ingredient list into our free checker and see every ingredient scored against EU regulatory data and peer-reviewed research.
Open the pregnancy-safe ingredient checkerCheck every label in 2 seconds
Get VeriMom free — scan any product and see the pregnancy safety score instantly.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Safety scores are based on publicly available data and may not reflect all risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before using any product during pregnancy or breastfeeding.