Is Sodium Percarbonate Safe? What You Need to Know
Safety Score
Concern Level: low
Sodium Percarbonate is generally considered safe for use in household and personal care products.
What Is Sodium Percarbonate?
An eco-friendly oxygen bleach that breaks down into washing soda and hydrogen peroxide. Effective stain remover without chlorine.
Commonly found in: oxygen bleach, laundry booster, deck cleaner, grout cleaner
Safety Research & Evidence
An eco-friendly oxygen bleach that breaks down into washing soda and hydrogen peroxide. Effective stain remover without chlorine.
Regulatory status: EPA registered; no cosmetic use; generally considered environmentally safe
Health Concerns
eye and skin irritation in concentrated form
Evidence: ModerateResearch indicates eye and skin irritation in concentrated form may be associated with exposure to Sodium Percarbonate. Particularly concerning for children (concentrated form).
Vulnerable Populations
Extra caution recommended for: children (concentrated form)
Safer Alternatives
| Alternative | Safety Score |
|---|---|
| Hydrogen Peroxide | 7/10 |
How to Avoid Sodium Percarbonate
- Read ingredient labels carefully for "Sodium Percarbonate" or its chemical synonyms
- Choose products with third-party certifications (EWG Verified, Made Safe)
- Consider alternatives like Hydrogen Peroxide
- Check the EWG Skin Deep database for product ratings
- Look for "Sodium Percarbonate-free" labels on product packaging
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sodium Percarbonate safe for babies?
No, we recommend avoiding Sodium Percarbonate in products used on or around babies due to their developing systems.
What are the safest alternatives to Sodium Percarbonate?
Safer alternatives include Hydrogen Peroxide (safety score: 7/10).
Is Sodium Percarbonate banned in other countries?
Regulatory status: EPA registered; no cosmetic use; generally considered environmentally safe
How do I know if my product contains Sodium Percarbonate?
Check the full ingredient list on the product label. Sodium Percarbonate may also appear under different chemical names. Using apps like EWG Healthy Living or Think Dirty can help identify it.
Related Safety Guides
References
- Grime K et al. (2005). Oxygen-based bleaching agents: environmental and health review PMID: 16841252