Salt, especially sodium chloride, is one of the most common and valuable chemicals used in many industries to produce a wide range of intermediate and finished products. In the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and detergent industries, the sodium chloride has a variety of applications that contribute to the efficacy and safety of products, being an indispensable element of the production process.
Use of salt in the pharmaceutical industry
Sodium chloride is included in the World Health Organisation's list of essential medicines. Thanks to its antiseptic, hygroscopic and astringent properties, salt is an essential ingredient in the production of pharmaceutical products.
Osmotic pressure regulation:
Salt is used to regulate osmotic pressure in pharmaceutical formulations. This is critical to ensure proper absorption and effectiveness of drugs.
As a preservative:
Sodium chloride acts as a preservative in many pharmaceutical formulas, extending the shelf life of products. Its use ensures that medicines remain safe and effective for longer.
As an excipient ingredient:
In the production of tablets and other forms of medicines, salt is often part of the excipients used in manufacture. Excipients are non-pharmaceutical substances which are added to pharmaceutical products in order to improve some of their characteristics (odor, appearance, taste) or to help improve dissolution, formula uniformity and bioavailability of the active ingredients. For example, in controlled-release tablets, it is used to help modify the release of the drug. It can modulate the release of the substance from emulsions and adjust the composition of solutions by changing the ionic characteristics of a formulation.
Sodium chloride is widely used for the production of isotonic solutions. It is used in saline nasal sprays, catheter flushing solutions and eye drops. Sodium chloride solution can also be used to dilute drugs for nebulisation and inhalation.
Use of salt in the cosmetics industry
Sodium chloride is an essential ingredient in the production of cosmetics and personal care products. Thanks to a number of properties, it is used in the formulation of oral hygiene, skin and hair products, in shampoos and bubble baths, perfumes, sunscreens and make-up products.
Detergent and antimicrobial properties:
Salt is used in many cosmetic products, such as shampoos and facial cleansers, due to its antimicrobial and purifying properties. It is combined with other ingredients to effectively remove dirt and oil from the skin and hair.
Viscosity regulation: The introduction of sodium chloride into surfactant systems, such as bubble baths, determines viscosity, preventing them from flowing excessively. Thus, by adjusting the density and concentration of the product, the right texture is obtained for ease of use.
pH regulation:
The presence of salt in hair and skin care products indirectly adjusts the pH, ensuring that they remain compatible with the skin's natural pH, which typically ranges from 4.5 to 6.
Stabilizing properties:
Sodium chloride acts as a stabilizer in skin care products by preventing separation or crystallization of ingredients. Its presence ensures better absorption of active ingredients into the skin and improves the effectiveness of the product.
Exfoliating and abrasive properties:
It is also used in exfoliating face and body products due to its small crystals, where it helps to remove dead skin cells, providing a smoother and healthier skin.
Use of salt in the detergent industry
Sodium chloride is a key ingredient in many detergents as it enhances the performance and effectiveness of the products. Its cleaning properties make it essential for the optimal removal of stains and dirt from various surfaces.
Product stabilization:
Salt is used to stabilize formulations in detergents, ensuring that products remain effective during storage and until they are used.
pH regulation:
By balancing the acidity or alkalinity of the detergent, it helps prevent unwanted reactions that could affect product quality.
Viscosity regulation:
Salt helps to regulate viscosity and correspondingly fluidity, imparting the appropriate rheological characteristics to detergents.
Foam regulation:
Some detergents contain salt to regulate foam during use. This maintains their cleaning ability while improving the user experience.
In addition, salt helps to improve the solubility of detergents at various levels of water hardness, ensuring that they can work effectively in many conditions.
The use of salt in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and detergent industries is multi-dimensional and essential. From regulating osmolality to stabilizing products, sodium chloride plays a critical role in the efficacy, preservation and safety of these products. Continuous research and development in this field underlines the importance of salt as a key ingredient in many applications, with the focus on selecting the right quality, high purity salt for the corresponding use.