Sodium Benzoate <ILN51300> ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is primarily a preservative, used to limit microbial growth in water-based formulas. It is especially useful in acidic products such as gels, toners, shampoos, and lotions.
What does Sodium Benzoate <ILN51300> do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is primarily a preservative, used to limit microbial growth in water-based formulas. It is especially useful in acidic products such as gels, toners, shampoos, and lotions.
Is Sodium Benzoate <ILN51300> clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, it is widely accepted and generally well tolerated at cosmetic use levels. Its main limitation is performance, not safety, because it needs an acidic formula to preserve effectively.
Is Sodium Benzoate <ILN51300> sustainable?
This material is usually made through conventional chemical synthesis, although the underlying chemistry is nature-identical. It is readily biodegradable, used at low levels, and is not considered a bioaccumulative ingredient.
Is Sodium Benzoate <ILN51300> COSMOS-approved?
It is permitted under COSMOS as an approved preservative for natural and organic cosmetics. Its Green Chemistry profile is favorable on biodegradability and low effective dose, with a weaker point being that commercial supply is commonly from non-renewable feedstocks.
How does Sodium Benzoate <ILN51300> work chemically?
The molecule is a water-soluble sodium salt of an aromatic carboxylic acid, and preservation activity depends on conversion to its protonated form in acidic conditions. Typical use is about 0.1% to 0.5%, with strongest performance below roughly pH 5.5 and common pairing with sorbate salts, organic acids, or chelators for broader protection.
Last updated 2026-05-13