Produced predominantly by the natural evaporation of seawater under eco-friendly conditions, sea salt serves as a natural raw resource with valuable applications in both pharmaceutical and related parapharmaceutical industries. In parapharmaceuticals, such as nasal sprays, dermocosmetics, and therapeutic bath salts, the natural trace elements of sea salt are considered an advantage. Conversely, pharmaceutical products with high specifications, such as injectables or ophthalmic preparations, require special processing to meet stringent purity standards.
Purity and processing
Sea salt in its raw, untreated form, without chemical processing, retains trace metals such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium, which can be a valuable differentiating factor in parapharmaceutical formulations, non-sterile products, and dermocosmetics, provided that they do not affect the stability or safety of the formulation. However, it also contains organic residues and microorganisms making it unsuitable for direct use in pharmaceutical products. To meet the required purity standards (typically over 99.9% NaCl) and microbial safety, it undergoes extensive cleaning and refining processes. It becomes eligible for use as a raw material in pharmaceutical formulations only after obtaining the necessary pharmaceutical-grade certifications (Ph. Eur, USP, etc.)
Safety and industrial applications
In the pharmaceutical sector, safety, purity, and traceability of raw materials are fundamental prerequisites. Refined pharmaceutical-grade NaCl that meets specifications for microbial purity, absence of impurities, and consistent granulation, whether derived from sea salt or rock salt, can be used in the following applications:
Injectable saline solutions
Nasal and ophthalmic formulations
High-purity inhalation products
As an excipient in pharmaceutical formulations, supporting solubility and bioavailability of active substances
In less demanding applications, parapharmaceutical products such as nasal sprays utilize the natural properties of sea salt, where less strict purification is required.
Multifunctionality and ecological benefits
The use of natural sea salt aligns with a broader trend toward a more sustainable production. Solar evaporation, widely used for its production, is energy-efficient and presents a lower environmental footprint compared to mining and processing rock salt. Furthermore, the preservation and proper management of coastal salt pans, beyond producing high-quality salt, contribute to biodiversity support and local ecological balance.
In the pharmaceutical and parapharmaceutical industry, where high purity, stability, and quality are essential, utilizing appropriately processed sea salt can offer an additional layer of differentiation and environmental responsibility.
With the right processing, sea salt constitutes a valuable raw material for the pharmaceutical industry, especially for parapharmaceutical products, offering purity, biocompatibility, and sustainability. Dadakarides Salt S.A., with decades of experience, provides high-quality products that meet the demands of the modern industry.