SODIUM BENZOATE[2][5] ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is primarily used as a preservative, helping protect water-containing formulas from yeast, mold, and some bacteria. It is most effective in acidic products such as cleansers, toners, gels, and emulsions.
What does SODIUM BENZOATE[2][5] do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is primarily used as a preservative, helping protect water-containing formulas from yeast, mold, and some bacteria. It is most effective in acidic products such as cleansers, toners, gels, and emulsions.
Is SODIUM BENZOATE[2][5] clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, it is broadly accepted and generally well tolerated at cosmetic use levels. The main formulation caveat is pH, since performance drops as formulas move toward neutral or alkaline conditions.
Is SODIUM BENZOATE[2][5] sustainable?
It is usually made by conventional chemical synthesis from petrochemical aromatic feedstocks, although the functional chemistry is nature-identical. It is readily biodegradable and is not considered a persistent bioaccumulative material in typical cosmetic use.
Is SODIUM BENZOATE[2][5] COSMOS-approved?
It is permitted under COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic standards as an approved preservative when used within the standard’s conditions. Its Green Chemistry profile is mixed but favorable overall, with good biodegradability and efficient use at low levels, balanced by mostly nonrenewable feedstock sourcing.
How does SODIUM BENZOATE[2][5] work chemically?
The molecule is an aromatic carboxylate salt that shifts toward its acid form at lower pH, which is the more active antimicrobial state. Typical use is about 0.2% to 1.0%, with strongest preservation performance below roughly pH 5.5 and common pairing with other preservative boosters for broader coverage.
Last updated 2026-05-13