Potassium metabisulfites (inci)

"Potassium" refers to the alkali metal potassium, "metabisulphites" a salt of the disulphurous acid, in this case its potassium salt. Potassium metabisulfites are used in cosmetic formulations. The substance acts as a preservative (inhibits the growth of microorganisms.

The framework conditions for preservatives which may be used in cosmetics are defined in the EC Cosmetics Regulation - 1223/2009 - Annex V.

1. The Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) Manage risks - protect consumers: https://www.bvl.bund.de/DE/03_Verbraucherprodukte/03_AntragstellerUnternehmen/02_Kosmetik/04_Inhaltsstoffe/bgs_fuerAntragsteller_kosmetik_gesetzlicheRegelung_inhaltsstoffe_node.html