Ingredient
Sodium Metasilicate
What is Sodium Metasilicate?
Sodium metasilicate is an inorganic compound composed of sodium, silicon, and oxygen. It is typically produced by fusing sodium carbonate with silicon dioxide at high temperatures.
This ingredient is used primarily as a cleaning and detergent agent, particularly in dishwasher detergents. It has strong alkaline properties, which help remove tough stains and grease from dishes. The health evidence for sodium metasilicate is mostly focused on its effectiveness as a cleaner, rather than ingestion, and it is not commonly found in food products.
When you see sodium metasilicate on a label, it's most often in the context of household cleaning products, not food. Therefore, it is not typically associated with dietary concerns.
Commonly found in: dishwasher detergents, industrial cleaners, laundry detergents
Sodium metasilicate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in cleaning products.
Research focuses on its efficacy as a detergent; there is limited research concerning its impact when ingested as it is not a food ingredient.
Sodium metasilicate is not derived from animal sources and is considered vegan-friendly.
Sources: Code of Federal Regulations Title 21
Scout's take
Sodium Metasilicate acts as a builder in cleaning products, helping to soften water and enhance cleaning efficiency. It has low toxicity and is biodegradable, making it a safer choice for the environment.
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