Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSodium Borate vs. BoronUsesRisks and Side Effects
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Sodium Borate vs. Boron
Uses
Risks and Side Effects
The mineral boron helps with bone growth, joint mobility, and hormone balance. It’s found naturally in many foods. In contrast, sodium borate contains boron but is not safe to consume.
Sodium borate is widely used in cleaning products, cosmetics, and personal care products. It’s sometimes referred to as borax, but that is a different boron compound in cleaning products with a different chemical composition.
Some influencers on platforms like TikTok have claimed that ingesting borax can have health benefits, but eating or drinking either borax or sodium borate is dangerous.They can cause severe side effects, or in large quantities, even death.
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Although sodium borate contains the mineral boron, it has very different uses, benefits, and risks. While sodium borate is not safe to eat, boron occurs naturally in foods and is sometimes taken as a dietary supplement.
What Is Sodium Borate?
Sodium borate is a naturally-occurring compound made ofboron, oxygen, hydrogen, and sodium. Trace amounts are found in soil, water, plants, and animals, but it is most commonly found in sediments and sedimentary rock formations.
Most sodium borate found in the United States comes from the seasonal lakes in the Mojave Desert in California.
Sodium Borate vs. Borax vs. Boric AcidThese three substances are sometimes mentioned interchangeably, but they are not all the same.Sodium borateis a naturally occurring substance made up of boron, oxygen, hydrogen, and sodium. It is not safe to consume.Boraxis a powdery, white mineral, also known as sodium tetraborate, that is taken straight from the ground and is used in cleaning supplies and laundry detergent. It is not safe to consume and can be toxic if ingested.Boric acidis a boron compound but is more refined and processed than borax. Like borax it is not safe to consume and can be toxic if ingested.
Sodium Borate vs. Borax vs. Boric Acid
These three substances are sometimes mentioned interchangeably, but they are not all the same.Sodium borateis a naturally occurring substance made up of boron, oxygen, hydrogen, and sodium. It is not safe to consume.Boraxis a powdery, white mineral, also known as sodium tetraborate, that is taken straight from the ground and is used in cleaning supplies and laundry detergent. It is not safe to consume and can be toxic if ingested.Boric acidis a boron compound but is more refined and processed than borax. Like borax it is not safe to consume and can be toxic if ingested.
These three substances are sometimes mentioned interchangeably, but they are not all the same.
Sodium borateis a naturally occurring substance made up of boron, oxygen, hydrogen, and sodium. It is not safe to consume.
Boraxis a powdery, white mineral, also known as sodium tetraborate, that is taken straight from the ground and is used in cleaning supplies and laundry detergent. It is not safe to consume and can be toxic if ingested.
Boric acidis a boron compound but is more refined and processed than borax. Like borax it is not safe to consume and can be toxic if ingested.
What is Boron?
Researchers have discovered that the mineral boron is essential for plant health and that it may also play a role in human health. This mineral is found naturally in a variety of foods and is normally present in trace amounts in the body. It is also available as a dietary supplement.
Although boron deficiency is rare, it has been linked to abnormal bone development and bone strength.
Growing evidence suggests that boron could offer health benefits, including:
10 of the Highest Boron Foods for Healthy Bones and More
What Is Sodium Borate Used For?
Sodium borate and borax are naturally occurring compounds that are widely used in household cleaning products and as laundry detergent boosters. They are also added in diluted concentrations to a variety of products, such as:
Sodium borate and boric acid are added to personal care products as a preservative, emulsifier, or stabilizer. In 2020 the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data and concluded that sodium borate and boric acid are safe as cosmetic ingredients in concentrations less than or equal to 5%.
Borax is also used in making DIY slime that kids like to play with. Although large amounts of borax could be unsafe, the amount used in DIY slime is considered safe. However, you should take precautions with the slime, such as keeping it out of your mouth and limiting use to 30 minutes or less.
Sodium Borate Risks and Side Effects
Sodium borate and borax that are used for cleaning, pesticides, or other household uses can be toxic if ingested, causing:
Sodium borate and borax powders can cause respiratory problems (cough or difficulty breathing), eye irritation, and skin rash when exposed to large amounts.
Children should avoid licking or eating DIY slime and avoid borax-containing slime if they have cuts, eczema, or other wounds on their hands. If you’re concerned, look for slime recipes that use cornstarch or other non-irritating ingredients.
Summary
Sodium borate is a naturally occurring compound that is used in cleaning products, laundry detergents, cosmetics, and personal care products. It is different from the mineral boron, which is available as a supplement and in a variety of foods and may provide health benefits, such as balancing sex hormones, strengthening bones, and reducing arthritis pain.
It is not safe to consume sodium borate, borax, or boric acid, and exposure to large amounts of these products can cause significant side effects. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any side effects from sodium borate.
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Ohio State University.The benefits of boron, and why you shouldn’t look for it in borax.National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Boron.Pizzorno L.Nothing boring about boron.Integr Med (Encinitas).Rondanelli M, Faliva MA, Peroni G, et al.Pivotal role of boron supplementation on bone health: A narrative review.J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2020;62:126577. doi:10.1016/j.jtemb.2020.126577Hunter JM, Nemzer BV, Rangavajla N, et al.The fructoborates: Part of a family of naturally occurring sugar-borate complexes-biochemistry, physiology, and impact on human health: A review.Biol Trace Elem Res. 2019;188(1):11-25. doi:10.1007/s12011-018-1550-4Naghii MR, Mofid M, Asgari AR, Hedayati M, Daneshpour MS.Comparative effects of daily and weekly boron supplementation on plasma steroid hormones and proinflammatory cytokines.J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2011;25(1):54-58. doi:10.1016/j.jtemb.2010.10.001Science Direct.Borate sodium.Cosmetic Ingredient Review September 2020.Quick Reference Table.National Pesticide Information Center.Boric acid.Stanford Children’s Hospital.Slime Time: Is It Safe for Kids?Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Borates, tetra, sodium salts (anhydrous).
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Ohio State University.The benefits of boron, and why you shouldn’t look for it in borax.National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Boron.Pizzorno L.Nothing boring about boron.Integr Med (Encinitas).Rondanelli M, Faliva MA, Peroni G, et al.Pivotal role of boron supplementation on bone health: A narrative review.J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2020;62:126577. doi:10.1016/j.jtemb.2020.126577Hunter JM, Nemzer BV, Rangavajla N, et al.The fructoborates: Part of a family of naturally occurring sugar-borate complexes-biochemistry, physiology, and impact on human health: A review.Biol Trace Elem Res. 2019;188(1):11-25. doi:10.1007/s12011-018-1550-4Naghii MR, Mofid M, Asgari AR, Hedayati M, Daneshpour MS.Comparative effects of daily and weekly boron supplementation on plasma steroid hormones and proinflammatory cytokines.J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2011;25(1):54-58. doi:10.1016/j.jtemb.2010.10.001Science Direct.Borate sodium.Cosmetic Ingredient Review September 2020.Quick Reference Table.National Pesticide Information Center.Boric acid.Stanford Children’s Hospital.Slime Time: Is It Safe for Kids?Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Borates, tetra, sodium salts (anhydrous).
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Ohio State University.The benefits of boron, and why you shouldn’t look for it in borax.National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Boron.Pizzorno L.Nothing boring about boron.Integr Med (Encinitas).Rondanelli M, Faliva MA, Peroni G, et al.Pivotal role of boron supplementation on bone health: A narrative review.J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2020;62:126577. doi:10.1016/j.jtemb.2020.126577Hunter JM, Nemzer BV, Rangavajla N, et al.The fructoborates: Part of a family of naturally occurring sugar-borate complexes-biochemistry, physiology, and impact on human health: A review.Biol Trace Elem Res. 2019;188(1):11-25. doi:10.1007/s12011-018-1550-4Naghii MR, Mofid M, Asgari AR, Hedayati M, Daneshpour MS.Comparative effects of daily and weekly boron supplementation on plasma steroid hormones and proinflammatory cytokines.J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2011;25(1):54-58. doi:10.1016/j.jtemb.2010.10.001Science Direct.Borate sodium.Cosmetic Ingredient Review September 2020.Quick Reference Table.National Pesticide Information Center.Boric acid.Stanford Children’s Hospital.Slime Time: Is It Safe for Kids?Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Borates, tetra, sodium salts (anhydrous).
Ohio State University.The benefits of boron, and why you shouldn’t look for it in borax.
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Boron.
Pizzorno L.Nothing boring about boron.Integr Med (Encinitas).
Rondanelli M, Faliva MA, Peroni G, et al.Pivotal role of boron supplementation on bone health: A narrative review.J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2020;62:126577. doi:10.1016/j.jtemb.2020.126577
Hunter JM, Nemzer BV, Rangavajla N, et al.The fructoborates: Part of a family of naturally occurring sugar-borate complexes-biochemistry, physiology, and impact on human health: A review.Biol Trace Elem Res. 2019;188(1):11-25. doi:10.1007/s12011-018-1550-4
Naghii MR, Mofid M, Asgari AR, Hedayati M, Daneshpour MS.Comparative effects of daily and weekly boron supplementation on plasma steroid hormones and proinflammatory cytokines.J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2011;25(1):54-58. doi:10.1016/j.jtemb.2010.10.001
Science Direct.Borate sodium.
Cosmetic Ingredient Review September 2020.Quick Reference Table.
National Pesticide Information Center.Boric acid.
Stanford Children’s Hospital.Slime Time: Is It Safe for Kids?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Borates, tetra, sodium salts (anhydrous).
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