Calcium Chloride is an inorganic compound widely used in cosmetic formulations due to its hygroscopic properties. It is a white crystalline solid or powder that readily absorbs moisture from the environment, making it useful in products designed to maintain hydration.
Additionally, Calcium Chloride can act as a stabilizer and viscosity regulator in cosmetic preparations. Its ability to dissolve exothermically in water allows it to be incorporated into various aqueous solutions, enhancing their performance and shelf life.
CAS Number: 10043-52-4
Molecular Formula: CaCl2
Synonyms:
- Calcium Chloride Dihydrate
- Calcium Chloride, Anhydrous
Uses of Calcium Chloride in Cosmetics
Functional role in cosmetics:
- Calcium Chloride is used as a Viscosity controlling agent in cosmetics.
Other uses:
- Used as a pigment
- Also useful in processing aids, specific to petroleum production
- Used as a Enzyme Stabilizers
Cosmetic Products Containing Calcium Chloride
Recent products using Calcium Chloride in their cosmetic formulations
- Misoli Shining Care Black Pearl Eye Patch 60pcs/30pairs
- Petitfee Black Pearl & Gold Hydrogel Eye Patch
- innisfree Jeju Orchid Cream
- COSRX Hydrogel Very Simple Pack
- Caia Cosmetics Bye Bye Sleepy Eye Patches
- Holika Holika Aloe Soothing Essence 80% Hydrogel Eye Patch
- Koelf Bulgarian Rose Hydrogel Eye Patch
- Koelf Gold Royal Jelly Hydrogel Eye Patch
- Misoli Marine Algae And Vitamin C Hydrogel Eye Patches
- Mizon Snail Repair Intensive Gold Eye Gel Patch
- Petitefee Chamomile Lightening Eye Patch
- Petitfee Agave Cooling Eye Patch
- Petitfee Agave Cooling Hydrogel Eye Mask
Top companies using Calcium Chloride in their cosmetic products
- Holika Holika
- Petitfee
- Mizon
- Koelf
- COSRX
- innisfree
- Caia Cosmetics
- Misoli
Regulatory Considerations for Using Calcium Chloride in Cosmetic Formulations
Few regulatory considerations are to be taken into account before using Calcium Chloride as an ingredient. Given below is the list of those regulations:
FDA Requirements: Calcium Chloride is identified as a prescription drug product approved by the FDA under sections 505 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act for its safety and effectiveness. It is also affirmed as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for use in food as an antibrowning agent for processed fruits and vegetables.
FIFRA Requirements: Calcium Chloride was listed under FIFRA’s pesticide reregistration program on List D. It is classified as an insecticide, fungicide, herbicide, and antimicrobial. Its active ingredient status is ‘cancelled,’ with no products containing it actively registered.
REACH Registered Substance: Calcium Chloride is registered under REACH with active statuses updated on December 1, 2021, and February 22, 2023.
New Zealand EPA Inventory of Chemical Status: Calcium Chloride does not have individual approval but may be used under an appropriate group standard.
The Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals: Listed as Calcium Chloride (CaCl2) in the Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals.
Alternatives of Calcium Chloride and Comparative Analysis
Given below is the list of alternative ingredients that can be used in place of Calcium Chloride in cosmetic formulations:
- Magnesium Chloride
- Sodium Chloride
- Calcium Lactate
- Calcium Gluconate
- Aluminum Chloride
Comparative analysis of Calcium Chloride alternative ingredients:
| Ingredients | Strengths | Limitations | Efficacy | Cost | Stability | Compatibility | Safety |
| Magnesium Chloride | Highly soluble in water and deliquescent like calcium chloride Used as a firming agent and viscosity modifier in cosmetics Provides essential magnesium ions beneficial for skin health Good compatibility with aqueous and emulsion systems | May cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals at high concentrations Less effective as a calcium source for skin barrier functions | Moderate as a firming and viscosity agent | Moderate | High (stable in typical cosmetic formulations) | Good with most cosmetic ingredients | Generally safe but may cause irritation in sensitive skin |
| Sodium Chloride | Widely used as a viscosity modifier and thickener in cosmetics Inexpensive and readily available Enhances texture and stability of formulations | Does not provide calcium ions or related skin benefits Can be drying or irritating at high concentrations | Moderate as a viscosity modifier | Low | High | Good with most formulations | Generally safe but may cause dryness or irritation |
| Calcium Lactate | Provides calcium ions beneficial for skin barrier and firmness Water-soluble and compatible with cosmetic formulations Milder and less irritating than calcium chloride | Less hygroscopic than calcium chloride May have lower firming effect in formulations | Moderate as a calcium source and skin conditioning agent | Moderate | High | Good with aqueous and emulsion systems | Generally safe and well tolerated |
| Calcium Gluconate | Water-soluble calcium salt with skin conditioning properties Less irritating than calcium chloride Used in topical formulations for skin health | Lower calcium content compared to calcium chloride Less effective as a firming agent | Moderate for skin conditioning | Moderate to high | High | Good with most cosmetic bases | Generally safe and non-irritating |
| Aluminum Chloride | Used as an astringent and antiperspirant agent Effective in reducing sweat and tightening skin Stable and widely used in deodorant formulations | Potential for skin irritation and sensitivity Not a calcium source; different functional profile | High as an astringent and antiperspirant | Low to moderate | High | Good in deodorant and astringent products | May cause irritation in sensitive skin |
How Benzenesulfonic Acid Works in Formulations
Calcium Chloride is commonly used in cosmetics as a viscosity-controlling agent, astringent, and stabilizer. It improves the texture of formulations, helps stabilize ingredients, and provides various benefits, from tightening pores to enhancing solubility in bath products.
Ideal Concentration and Benefits in Different Formulations
Bath Products (e.g., Bath Oils, Salts)
Calcium Chloride is frequently included in bath oils and bath salts to enhance the texture and solubility of the product.
- Concentration: 0.1%–1%
- Benefit: Improves the dissolution of bath salts or oils, helping the product dissolve more easily in water.
Makeup Products (e.g., Eye Shadows, Foundations)
In makeup formulations, Calcium Chloride helps stabilize products and control viscosity for better application.
- Concentration: below 1%
- Benefit: Improves consistency, providing a smooth, uniform finish. It helps stabilize formulations, particularly in powdered makeup and foundations, ensuring the product doesn’t separate or clump.
Skin Care Products (e.g., Toners, Astringents)
Calcium Chloride works as an astringent in toners and skin care products, tightening pores and refreshing the skin.
- Concentration: Typically used at concentrations below 1% to avoid irritation risks.
- Benefit: Provides a tightening effect and leaves the skin feeling refreshed.
Compatibility with Other Ingredients
Calcium Chloride is highly soluble in water, making it easy to incorporate into aqueous systems. Compatible with most cosmetic ingredients but may require stabilization in high-humidity environments due to its hygroscopic nature. May cause mild irritation at higher concentrations; patch testing is recommended.
Stability and Shelf Life
Calcium Chloride remains stable under normal conditions but must be stored properly to avoid degradation.
- Shelf life: 24–36 months
- Best storage: Store in airtight containers, away from moisture to prevent clumping or degradation. Use sealed jars or moisture-resistant bags to minimize exposure to air and humidity.
Formulation Challenges and Troubleshooting
Calcium Chloride presents several formulation challenges due to its hygroscopic nature and potential for irritation:
Hygroscopicity Issues
Calcium Chloride readily absorbs moisture from the air, which can lead to clumping or instability in formulations.
Solution: Store in airtight containers with desiccants to maintain product integrity.
Skin Irritation Potential
At higher concentrations, Calcium Chloride may cause mild skin irritation.
Solution: Limit use to recommended concentrations (typically below 1%) and conduct patch testing for sensitive users.
Packaging Compatibility
Calcium Chloride’s hygroscopic properties may affect certain packaging materials.
Solution: Use moisture-resistant packaging such as HDPE or glass containers.
Regulatory Compliance
Ensure compliance with local regulations regarding maximum allowable concentrations and labeling requirements.
Solution: Consult regulatory guidelines for specific applications and regions.
Environmental and Sustainability Impact
Calcium Chloride is an inorganic salt used in cosmetics for its astringent and viscosity-controlling properties. Its use raises environmental and sustainability considerations:
Environmental Impact
- Water Pollution: Calcium Chloride is highly water-soluble and can contribute to localized water salinity if improperly disposed of. However, it poses minimal toxicity risks to aquatic organisms in typical cosmetic concentrations.
- Carbon Footprint: The production of Calcium Chloride involves synthetic processes or extraction from natural sources like limestone, contributing to moderate greenhouse gas emissions.
Sustainability
The sustainability of Calcium Chloride depends on its sourcing and production methods.
- Raw Materials: Calcium Chloride can be derived from limestone or as a byproduct of other industrial processes, offering potential for sustainable sourcing.
- Energy Use: Manufacturing requires moderate energy input. Cleaner energy sources could reduce its environmental footprint.
- End-of-Life Impact: Calcium Chloride dissolves in water and breaks down into calcium and chloride ions, posing minimal long-term ecological risks.
Biodegradability and Toxicity
Calcium Chloride is not biodegradable but is environmentally safe in low concentrations. It has low toxicity for humans and the environment under normal use conditions.
Ammonia Toxicity: Not applicable. Calcium Chloride does not release ammonia or harmful byproducts during decomposition.
Eco-Friendly Alternatives
While Calcium Chloride is effective, alternative ingredients may offer greener options for specific applications:
- Magnesium Chloride: A natural salt that can serve similar functions with potentially lower environmental impact.
- Citric Acid: A plant-derived alternative for pH adjustment and astringent properties.
- Sodium Chloride (Table Salt): A widely available and sustainable alternative for viscosity control in certain formulations.
Calcium Chloride Side Effects
Calcium Chloride is generally considered safe when handled properly but can pose risks under certain conditions. It acts as an irritant upon contact with skin or eyes, causing dryness or burns due to its hygroscopic nature. Inhalation of its dust may irritate respiratory pathways, while ingestion can lead to burns in the mouth and esophagus.
Prolonged exposure to high concentrations may result in systemic effects such as hypercalcemia. Additionally, Calcium Chloride is harmful to aquatic environments if released in large quantities. Proper handling and disposal measures are essential to minimize health and environmental risks.
Symptoms
- Eye Exposure: May cause redness, pain, and burns.
- Skin Exposure: May cause redness, dry skin, and skin burns.
- Ingestion Exposure: May lead to burns in the mouth and throat, nausea, and vomiting.
- Inhalation Exposure: May cause coughing, sore throat, and a burning sensation.
Adverse Effects
Calcium Chloride is classified as a dermatoxin, capable of causing skin burns upon contact. It also acts as a lacrimator (lachrymator), meaning it can irritate the eyes and induce excessive tearing.
Exposure Routes
Calcium Chloride can cause serious local effects by all routes of exposure, including skin and eye irritation, burns, and respiratory tract irritation. Direct contact may lead to skin burns, while eye exposure can result in severe irritation and excessive tearing. Inhalation or ingestion may cause irritation or damage to mucous membranes and tissues.
Antidote and Emergency Treatment
In cases of Calcium Chloride poisoning, advanced treatment involves securing the airway through orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation if the patient is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in respiratory distress. Positive-pressure ventilation with a bag-valve mask may be beneficial.
Drug therapy should be considered for pulmonary edema, and a beta-agonist like albuterol can be administered for severe bronchospasm. Cardiac rhythm should be monitored closely, and arrhythmias treated as necessary. Intravenous fluids like D5W (at a minimal flow rate), 0.9% saline (NS), or lactated Ringer’s (LR) should be administered if hypovolemia is present, but fluids should be given cautiously to avoid overload.
Hypotension should be managed carefully with fluids. Seizures can be treated with diazepam or lorazepam. Eye exposure requires thorough irrigation, which may be assisted using proparacaine hydrochloride.
Properties of Calcium Chloride
Chemical Identifiers
| EC Number | 233-140-8 |
| UNII | OFM21057LP |
| InChIKey | UXVMQQNJUSDDNG-UHFFFAOYSA-L |
| SMILES | [Cl-].[Cl-].[Ca+2] |
| IUPAC Name | calcium;dichloride |
| InChI | InChI=1S/Ca.2ClH/h;2*1H/q+2;;/p-2 |
Physical and Chemical Properties
Calcium Chloride (CaCl₂) is a highly hygroscopic ionic compound with a molar mass of 110.98 g/mol. It appears as a white crystalline solid or powder, odorless, and highly soluble in water. The compound has a density of 2.15 g/cm³ (anhydrous), a melting point of 772–775°C, and a boiling point of 1,935°C.
It dissolves in water with a significant release of heat (exothermic reaction) and is also soluble in alcohol. Calcium Chloride exists in multiple hydrated forms, including monohydrate, dihydrate, and hexahydrate.
| Property | Value |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Taste | Taste threshold in potable water is 150-350 ppm. However, concentrations as low as 50 ppm can be objectionable. |
| Density | 2.15 at 68°F – Denser than water; will sink |
| Viscosity | In 40.0% aqueous solution, 8.997 mPa.s at 20 °C |
| Color/Form | White cubic crystals or powder |
| Solubility | 0.745 g/mL (at 20°C) |
| Decomposition | When heated to decomp emits toxic fumes of hydrogen chloride. |
| Boiling Point | 1935°C |
| Melting Point | 782°C |
| Polymerization | Violent polymerization occurs when mixed with Methyl Vinyl Ether. |
| Refractive Index | Index of refraction, relative to air: 1.4420 at 20°C/D in 40.0% aqueous solution |
| Heat of Vaporization | 56.2 kcal/mole (boiling point) |
| Other Experimental Properties | Hygroscopic |
Structural Properties
The structural properties of Calcium Chloride indicate it is a simple compound with three heavy atoms. It has a molecular weight of approximately 111 g/mol and no formal charge. The compound is considered canonicalized, meaning it follows a standard structural representation.
It has two hydrogen bond acceptors and no hydrogen bond donors. Additionally, its surface area and stereochemistry properties show no complexity, suggesting a straightforward molecular structure with minimal interaction sites for bonding.
| Property | Value |
| Complexity | 0 |
| Exact Mass | 109.9002962 Da g/mol |
| Formal Charge | 0 |
| Heavy Atom Count | 3 |
| Molecular Weight | 110.98 g/mol |
| Monoisotopic Mass | 1109.9002962 g/mol |
| Isotope Atom Count | 0 |
| Rotatable Bond Count | 0 |
| Compound Is Canonicalized | Yes |
| Hydrogen Bond Donor Count | 0 |
| Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count | 2 |
| Covalently-Bonded Unit Count | 3 |
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 0 Ų |
| Defined Atom Stereocenter Count | 0 |
| Defined Bond Stereocenter Count | 0 |
| Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count | 0 |
| Undefined Bond Stereocenter Count | 0 |
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