Calcium Chloride

CAS Number:

10043-52-4

Chemical / IUPAC Name:

Calcium dichloride

INCI Name:

Not typically used as a direct cosmetic ingredient, but recognized as Calcium Chloride

EC Number:

233-140-8

Molecular Formula:

CaCl2

Molecular Weight:

110.98 g/mol

Other Names:

Calcium chloride, Calcium dichloride, Calcium(II) chloride, E509

Uses:

Calcium chloride (CaCl?) is an inorganic salt that appears as white crystals, flakes, granules, or powder . It is extremely hygroscopic and highly soluble in water . Food-grade calcium chloride meets strict purity standards (FCC, GRAS) and is widely used as a food additive (E509) and in various food processing applications .

· Food & Beverage Industry: Used as a firming agent in canned vegetables (pickles, tomatoes) to maintain crispness . It acts as a coagulant in tofu production and cheese making, aiding protein coagulation . In brewing, it corrects water mineral deficiencies and affects flavor development . It serves as an electrolyte in sports drinks and helps stabilize water chemistry in beverages .

· Food Preservation: Extends shelf-life of fresh produce through calcium chloride dips (post-harvest treatment) . It acts as a sequestrant and firming agent to protect texture in canned and pouched foods during high-heat processing .

· Pharmaceutical & Health Applications: Used in enzyme production where calcium ions serve as cofactors . Listed as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by FDA for food and nutritional supplement applications .

· Sodium Reduction: Can replace sodium chloride (salt) in pickling and other applications to maintain texture while reducing sodium content

Origin

Calcium chloride is produced commercially through two main methods:

· Solvay Process By-product: Large amounts are produced as a by-product of the Solvay process for soda ash production .

· Direct from Limestone: Can be produced directly from limestone (calcium carbonate) by reaction with hydrochloric acid .

· Purification: Food-grade calcium chloride undergoes additional purification to meet strict standards for heavy metals and impurities .

What does Calcium Chloride (Food Grade) do in a formulation?

• Firming Agent: Strengthens cell walls in fruits and vegetables, maintaining crispness and preventing softening during processing .
• Coagulant: Causes protein coagulation in tofu and cheese production, helping form solid structures from liquid bases .
• Sequestrant: Binds metal ions that could otherwise cause discoloration or off-flavors in food products .
• Water Hardness Regulator: Adjusts calcium content in brewing water, affecting enzyme activity, yeast function, and flavor development .
• Electrolyte Source: Provides essential minerals in sports drinks and nutritional beverages .
• Flavor Enhancer: Imparts a salty taste without adding sodium, used in pickling and other applications .

Safety Profile:

· General Hazard Classification: According to GHS regulations, calcium chloride is classified with hazard statements H319 (Causes serious eye irritation). Signal word: Warning .

· GRAS Status: Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the U.S. FDA for use in food when used in normal quantities (21 CFR §184.1193) .

· Concentration Limits: No specific regulatory limits for most food applications, but typical use levels range from 0.01-0.5% depending on application. FCC grade requires 93.0-100.5% purity .

· Irritation & Sensitization: Causes serious eye irritation . May cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals. The inhaled dust may aggravate the upper respiratory tract .

· Toxicity: Very low toxicity as a food additive . Oral toxicity occurs only at very high concentrations. Concentrated calcium chloride may result in gastrointestinal upset if consumed in large amounts .

· Handling & Storage: Store in tightly sealed, air-tight containers as it is extremely hygroscopic and will absorb moisture from air . Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Use safety eyewear, gloves, and protective clothing when handling. A particulate respirator may be recommended for industrial applications .

· Regulatory Status: GRAS in the US. EU approved as food additive E509 . Meets FCC (Food Chemical Codex) and USP specifications . Manufactured, packaged, and stored under cGMP in FDA-registered facilities .

Technical profile: