Barium Sulfate God Occlusive-opacifying agent No known benefits Barium Sulfate at a glance Works to opacify products, such as creams and lotions May help boost skin barrier recovery Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel deemed safe for use in cosmetics Barium Sulfate description Barium sulfate is an inorganic salt that occurs in nature. As a cosmetic ingredient, the synthetic form is used so as to avoid sulfuric acid impurities that can irritate skin. It works to opacify products, such as creams and lotions but is used extensively in non-aqueous makeup products such as lipsticks, blush, and mascaras, as it helps extend the longevity of cosmetic pigments, plus apply its own “colouration” similar to how titanium dioxide adds whiteness. Barium sulfate may play a role in skin barrier recovery by preventing water loss from skin’s uppermost layers. In 2018, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Board revisited the safety of barium sulfate as used in cosmetics, where amounts range from 0.99%-37% in either rinse-off or leave-on products. The Board determined barium sulfate is safe and non-sensitizing provided it’s formulated to be non-irritating (meaning the finished ingredient does not contain irritating salts from sulfuric acid). As the synthetic form of barium sulfate is what’s available for use in cosmetics, there is, quite literally, no need to be concerned that it might irritate skin; however, as with any cosmetic ingredient, an individual allergic reaction could still occur (although this is considered rare). Related ingredients: Titanium Dioxide