Sodium Phytate God Chelating Agent No known benefits Sodium Phytate at a glance Synthetic salt form of the antioxidant phytic acid Works as a chelating agent, keeping metals from binding to water in cosmetics Also helps stabilise the formula A hygroscopic powder (meaning it attracts moisture from its surroundings) Sodium Phytate description Sodium phytate is the synthetic salt form of the antioxidant phytic acid. In this form, it works as a chelating agent, keeping metals from binding to water in cosmetics. This also helps stabilise the formula. Sodium phytate is described as a hygroscopic powder (meaning it’s a substance that attracts moisture from its surroundings) and is considered highly soluble in water. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review’s latest assessment of sodium phytate (in 2018) reaffirmed its status as a safe cosmetic ingredient. Their report surveyed 412 products ranging in 0.0099-0.5% concentration. (Only small amounts of this ingredient are needed to enable its chelating function.)