Sodium Sulfate

Drug Details

Sodium sulfate is a white, crystalline compound with the chemical formula Na₂SO₄, known for its high solubility in water. It occurs naturally in mineral forms such as mirabilite and thenardite and is also produced as a byproduct in various chemical processes. Industrially, sodium sulfate is utilized in the manufacture of detergents, glass, and paper, and serves as a dyeing agent in textiles. In the cosmetics industry, it functions as a viscosity-increasing agent in products like cleansers and bath soaps. Historically, the decahydrate form, known as Glauber's salt, was used as a laxative. While generally considered non-toxic, handling sodium sulfate requires care to prevent irritation from dust exposure.