Calcium Chloride

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 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.

See: Sodium Chloride