Skip to main content
← All Ingredients

Sodium Benzoate

Preservative

Also known as: E211, Benzoic Acid Sodium Salt

Best for:All

A food-grade preservative effective against bacteria. Commonly used in natural formulations paired with potassium sorbate.

Time to results

Results vary by individual and formulation

Benefits

Bacterial preservation, food-grade safety, natural-friendly, effective at low pH.

How to Use

Present as a formulation ingredient. Works best at pH below 5. Often combined with potassium sorbate.

Technical Details
pH Range2.0-5.0
Typical Concentrations0.1%-0.5%
Research Summary

GRAS status. Effective against bacteria at acidic pH. Widely used in both food and cosmetic preservation.

Cautions

Well tolerated at approved concentrations. Can form benzene when combined with ascorbic acid under heat and light (primarily a food concern).

Does your skincare contain Sodium Benzoate?

Paste your product's ingredient list to check, or create your Skinularity ID for a full routine.

Find Sodium Benzoate products

Browse skincare products containing Sodium Benzoate.

Find Products