Sodium benzoate in skincare
A salt of benzoic acid used for preservation.
What is Sodium benzoate?
A salt of benzoic acid used for preservation. On the ingredient list, you can find the name Sodium Benzoate. The dictionary uses both the common name and the INCI name, so you can compare the explanation with the packaging.
What does Sodium benzoate do for skin and the product?
Helps provide microbial protection in suitable formulations.
Preservation protects the product during storage and use. Water-containing formulations require an assessment of microbial safety. The overall system depends on factors including pH, packaging and other ingredients.
Its effect depends on factors including pH and combination with other preserving substances.
How to read the ingredient list
Look at the product's purpose and overall composition. Position on the list does not tell you the exact concentration used or how your skin will react. One substance can serve several purposes in the same product.
Questions about Sodium benzoate
What does Sodium benzoate do in skincare?
Helps provide microbial protection in suitable formulations.
What should I know about Sodium benzoate?
Its effect depends on factors including pH and combination with other preserving substances.
Related ingredients
About sources and ingredient names
The European Commission's CosIng database is a reference for cosmetic ingredient names and functions. An entry does not constitute approval of all uses or evidence of a particular product effect.
DermNet: functions of moisturising care · DermNet: cosmetic formulations