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Skincare Ingredient

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Sodium Benzoate

In Skincare: Is Sodium Benzoate Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects

Safety (overall safety)
2/5 — Low risk
Irritancy (skin irritation)
2/5 — Low risk

Safety Information

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has concluded that Sodium Benzoate is safe as used in cosmetics. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) gives it a low hazard score, indicating minimal concern for human health.

Quick Insights

At a glance

  • 01

    Sodium benzoate, the salt of benzoic acid, occurs naturally in foods such as cranberries.

  • 02

    This ingredient functions as a preservative in both cosmetic and food formulations.

  • 03

    The CIR Expert Panel has evaluated sodium benzoate as safe for use in cosmetics at current concentrations.

  • 04

    Sodium benzoate appears as a white, crystalline solid in its unformulated state.

Overview

Ingredient Profile

Sodium benzoate is a preservative commonly used in cosmetics and food to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi. Derived from benzoic acid, a naturally occurring compound found in various fruits and honey, it is considered safe for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Sodium benzoate works best at lower pH levels (below 5) and is often combined with potassium sorbate to provide a wider range of protection against microorganisms, typically used at concentrations up to 1%.
Classifications
Preservative

Data & Research

Scientific Facts

Sodium benzoate is derived from benzoic acid, a naturally occurring compound found in various foods such as apricots, snap beans, cocoa, cranberries, mushrooms and honey. Benzoic acid is also present in the essential oils of plants like jasmine, hyacinth, and ylang-ylang.

Common Uses

Formulation in Sodium Benzoate

Sodium benzoate is primarily utilized to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast within cosmetic products. This helps maintain product stability and extends shelf life. It's found in a wide range of cosmetic applications, including baby products, bath products, soaps and detergents, eye makeup, blushers, cleansing products, make-up products, as well as hair, nail and skin care products.

Role of Sodium Benzoate

Active Cosmetic Mechanisms

ANTICORROSIVE

Metal Protection Agent

Protects metal packaging and containers from rust and degradation

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Anticorrosive agents inhibit electrochemical corrosion of metal containers through passivation, barrier formation, or pH buffering. These include volatile corrosion inhibitors (VCIs), chelating agents (EDTA, citric acid), corrosion inhibitors (benzotriazoles), and pH adjusters. Mechanism involves forming protective films on metal surfaces or chelating corrosive metal ions.

FRAGRANCE

Scent Provider

Adds pleasant scent to cosmetic products

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Fragrance ingredients provide aromatic appeal through essential oils, aroma chemicals, and natural extracts. These volatile compounds interact with olfactory receptors creating scent perception. Fragrance design considers top notes (high volatility), middle notes (moderate volatility), and base notes (low volatility) for scent development over time. Must consider stability, allergen content, and regulatory compliance.

PRESERVATIVE

Product Protector

Prevents microbial contamination and extends shelf life

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Preservatives inhibit microbial growth through various mechanisms: disrupting cell membranes (phenoxyethanol, parabens), releasing formaldehyde (DMDM hydantoin), chelating essential nutrients, or creating unfavorable pH. Broad-spectrum preservatives target bacteria, yeast, and mold. Efficacy depends on concentration, pH, formulation type, and microbial challenge. Must pass preservative efficacy testing (PET/challenge testing) meeting USP, EP, or JP standards.

Products

containing Sodium Benzoate

17775 formulations
Denní Krém S Amarantovým Olejem A Hedvábím
Denní Krém S Amarantovým Olejem A Hedvábím
Ryor · moisturizer
Acne Clearing Wash
Acne Clearing Wash
Peter Thomas Roth · cleanser
BB Cream with SPF 15
BB Cream with SPF 15
Burt's Bees · makeup
Renewing SA Cleanser
Renewing SA Cleanser
CeraVe · cleanser
Výživný Krém Exclusive
Výživný Krém Exclusive
Ryor · moisturizer
Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser
Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser
Youth To The People · cleanser
Blush & Glow Strawberry Freshness Gel Face Wash With Strawberry Extracts
Blush & Glow Strawberry Freshness Gel Face Wash With Strawberry Extracts
Lakme · cleanser
Pure Block Natural Waterproof Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++
Pure Block Natural Waterproof Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++
A'Pieu · sunscreen
Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
COSRX · cleanser
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
The Ordinary · toning-essences
See all products with Sodium Benzoate

References

Scientific sources

[1]

Current Perspectives on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, 2018, Volume 1, Issue 2, pages 72 – 77

[2]

International Journal of Toxicology, November/December 2017, Volume 36, Supplement 3, pages 5S-30S

[3]

U.S. Food and Drug Administration CFF – Code of Federal Regulations Title 21

[4]
cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient/sodium-benzoate
[5]
thedermreview.com/sodium-benzoate/
Semantic Analysis

Similar Ingredients

Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sodium Benzoate — common questions

What is Sodium Benzoate in skincare?

Sodium benzoate is a salt of benzoic acid. Benzoic acid itself is derived from toluene, and sodium benzoate is formed through a reaction between benzoic acid and sodium hydroxide. It’s commonly used as a preservative in cosmetic formulations.

What does Sodium Benzoate do? / Functions of Sodium Benzoate?

Common functions: ANTICORROSIVE, FRAGRANCE, PRESERVATIVE.

What is the comedogenic rating of Sodium Benzoate? / Is Sodium Benzoate comedogenic?

The comedogenic rating of Sodium Benzoate has not been established in our database.

Does it clog pores?
No Rating Available

Whether Sodium Benzoate clogs pores depends on the formulation and concentration.

Is Sodium Benzoate safe for skin?
2 2/5 — Low risk

Sodium Benzoate has a safety rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has concluded that Sodium Benzoate is safe as used in cosmetics. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) gives it a low hazard score, indicating minimal

Is Sodium Benzoate good for sensitive skin?
2 2/5 — Low risk

Sodium Benzoate has an irritancy rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally well-tolerated.

What are the side effects of Sodium Benzoate in skincare?

Known considerations: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has concluded that Sodium Benzoate is safe as used in cosmetics. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) gives it a low hazard score, indicating minimal concern for human health.

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