• Broad-spectrum preservative for water-based products
• Effective against fungi, yeast, and some bacteria
• Water-soluble and easy to incorporate
• Best performance in acidic formulations (pH ≤ 5.5)
• Often used in natural or paraben-free products

Sodium Benzoate Powder – Broad-Spectrum Preservative for Cosmetics & Personal Care

Sodium Benzoate is a widely used, water-soluble preservative known for its ability to inhibit the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria in cosmetic formulations. Derived from benzoic acid, this powder is gentle, non-irritating, and ideal for products with a slightly acidic pH. Sodium Benzoate is most effective in formulations with a pH below 5.5, making it suitable for toners, gels, shampoos, and water-based serums. It is often used in combination with other preservatives (like Potassium Sorbate) to boost antimicrobial efficacy.

INCI Name: Sodium Benzoate

CAS Number: 532-32-1

Solubility: Water-soluble

Add Phase: Cool-down phase

pH Stability: Best under 5.5

Processing Temperature: Below 60°C preferred

Appearance: White crystalline powder

Odor: Odorless

Molecular Formula: C₇H₅NaO₂

Molecular Weight: 144.11 g/mol

Flash Point: Not applicable

Density: ~1.44 g/cm³

Chemical Type: Organic salt

Functional Groups: Carboxylate

Primary Cosmetic Uses: Preservative in toners, gels, creams, and haircare

• Usage Rate: 0.1% – 0.5%
• Compatible pH: Works best below 5.5
• Recommended Combinations: Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid (to adjust pH)
• Storage: Keep in an airtight container, cool and dry place

Always test the final formulation’s pH before adding Sodium Benzoate. Pair with Potassium Sorbate and adjust pH with Citric Acid to below 5.5 for best protection.

✔️ Normal

✔️ Oily

✔️ Combination

❌ Not recommended for very sensitive or allergy-prone skin (in high concentrations)

1. Refreshing Toner Preserved with Sodium Benzoate

94% Rose Hydrosol

2% Glycerin

0.5% Sodium Benzoate

0.5% Citric Acid solution

3% Niacinamide

2. Mild Gel Cleanser Base

20% Coco Betaine

5% Glycerin

0.3% Sodium Benzoate

0.5% Xanthan Gum

70% Distilled Water

Fragrance & Color (Optional)

Serums
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜


Creams & Lotions
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜


Toners
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜


Face Masks
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜


Cleansers
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜


Hair Masks
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Reasonable
🟨🟨🟨⬜⬜


Deodorants
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜


Eye Creams
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜


Shampoos
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜


Soaps
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Reasonable
🟨🟨🟨⬜⬜


Conditioners
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Reasonable
🟨🟨🟨⬜⬜


Lip Balms
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜


Body Butters
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜


Ointments
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜

Q1: Can Sodium Benzoate be used alone?

Yes, but for full protection against bacteria and mold, it’s best paired with Potassium Sorbate.

Q2: Is it safe in baby products?

It can be, in very low concentrations and with strict pH control.

Q3: How to increase its effectiveness?

Lower the product’s pH (ideally to 4.5–5.5) and combine with other preservatives.