Evaporation and spray-drying towers at the lignosulfonate plant

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Is sodium lignosulfonate safe for human skin?

Is sodium lignosulfonate safe for skin? What its SDS says about skin contact, mild irritation, first aid and gloves, and why it is not a cosmetic assessment.

Solids content test of a lignosulfonate sample on a moisture analyzer

For industrial handling, our safety data sheet states that sodium lignosulfonate is not expected to be hazardous to skin under normal use. It may cause mild irritation, especially as fine powder or with prolonged contact, so gloves are still recommended. This article covers what the SDS says, and what it does not.

What the SDS says about skin

SDS sectionStatement
2. HazardsFine powder may cause temporary mechanical irritation to eyes, skin, nose or throat
4. First aid, skin contactNot expected to be hazardous to skin under normal use. Remove contaminated clothing; flush with water, then wash with soap and water; seek medical advice if irritation persists
8. Skin protectionProtective gloves and suitable work clothing recommended
11. ToxicologyMay cause mild irritation to eyes and skin; no specific acute toxicity effects documented in available data
Quoted and summarised from the Green Agrochem sodium lignosulfonate SDS (Grade One, GAC-NaLS-1). Check the SDS for your exact grade.

Practical advice

  • Wear gloves when handling powder or liquid for long periods.
  • Wash skin with soap and water after contact; damp powder can feel sticky but washes off with water.
  • People with sensitive skin or existing skin conditions should avoid repeated bare-hand contact.
  • Eyes are more sensitive than skin: rinse for at least 10 minutes if powder gets in them.

What this does not cover

This information is for industrial handling. Our industrial and agricultural grades are not sold for cosmetic or personal-care use, and their SDS is not a cosmetic safety assessment. Any use in products applied to skin needs its own safety assessment under the rules of the market concerned.

More on safe handling: handling hazards of sodium lignosulfonate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does sodium lignosulfonate irritate skin?

It may cause mild irritation, mostly as fine powder or with prolonged contact. The SDS states it is not expected to be hazardous to skin under normal use.

What should I do if sodium lignosulfonate gets on my skin?

Remove contaminated clothing, flush with water, then wash with soap and water. Seek medical advice if irritation persists.

Can sodium lignosulfonate be used in cosmetics?

Our grades are supplied for industrial and agricultural use. Use in products applied to skin needs a separate safety assessment under the cosmetic rules of the target market.

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Raw-material origin

Where the lignin comes from and how it becomes powder or liquid.

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