What does Sodium benzoate do?

Used in cosmetics as a preservative, an anticorrosive and a ph adjusters. Sodium Benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid.

Is Sodium benzoate safe?

Moderate concern: no hazard classifications on record. It is listed for cosmetic use in the EU.

beauty
cleaning
food
industrial

Sodium benzoate

CAS 1011270-78-2 · 40/100 · High conf.

Also registered as 4 other CAS numbers

1219807-20-1 · 1351865-09-2 · 65-85-0 · 532-32-1

Concern score

40/100Moderate concern based on regulatory listings.

High confidence

Sodium benzoate in plain language

What it is: On cosmetic ingredient lists it appears as “Benzoic acid”.
Also known as Benzoic acid · Benzoic acid and its sodium salt · Antimol · Benzoic acid; sodium benzoate · Fuminaru · Microcare sb
Show all 28 names
Purox s · Sobenate · Benzoan sodny · Benzoate de sodium · Benzoate of soda · Benzoesaeure (na-salz) · Benzoic acid, sodium salt (1:1) · E-211 · E211 · Ins NO.211 · INS-211 · Natrium benzoicum · acidum benzoicum · benzoato de sodio · benzoic acid sodium salt · natrii benzoas · sodium benzoate (ethicon id # 4556) · sodium benzoate (msds had cas no 532-32-8) · sodium benzoate - 47 mg/ml · Ammonul component sodium benzoate · Ucephan component sodium benzoate · sodium benzoate (as preservative)
What it does: Used in cosmetics as a preservative, an anticorrosive and a ph adjusters. Sodium Benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid.
Preservative
Anticorrosive
pH adjusters
Fragrance
pH adjuster
Stabiliser
Is it a concern?: Moderate concern: no hazard classifications on record. It is listed for cosmetic use in the EU.

What the listings say

Permitted, with conditions — Sodium benzoate appears on published "allowed" regulatory lists rather than on a restriction list.

Benzoic acid and its sodium salt is listed in Annex V of the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 (preservatives allowed in cosmetic products).

The score describes this ingredient's chemical identity — its hazard profile from published classifications and regulatory status — not the safety of any product it appears in.

Regulation

No restrictions found. Sodium benzoate appears in these published regulatory listings.

In marketed US drugs
EU Annex V — permitted preservative
EU permitted preservative
Inactive ingredient in US drugs

Recorded in these product areas

Found in consumer products
Beauty
Cleaning
Pharma
Food
Industrial

USFDAinactive ingredient database36 entries — 7 administration routes
- Route: ORAL; Dosage form: TABLET, FILM COATED; Maximum daily exposure: 1 mgSource →
- Route: RECTAL; Dosage form: ENEMA; Maximum daily exposure: 60 mgSource →
- Route: RECTAL; Dosage form: GEL; Maximum daily exposure: 406 mgSource →
- Route: TOPICAL; Dosage form: CREAM; Potency: 0.2 %w/wSource →
- Route: TOPICAL; Dosage form: GEL; Maximum daily exposure: 5 mgSource →
- Route: TOPICAL; Dosage form: SOLUTION; Potency: 0.1 %w/vSource →
- Route: TOPICAL; Dosage form: SPONGE; Potency: NASource →
- Route: TOPICAL; Dosage form: SYSTEM; Maximum daily exposure: 2 mgSource →
- Route: BUCCAL; Dosage form: FILM; Maximum daily exposure: 1 mgSource →
- Route: BUCCAL; Dosage form: FILM, SOLUBLE; Maximum daily exposure: 3 mgSource →
- Route: DENTAL; Dosage form: GEL; Potency: 0.08 %w/wSource →
- Route: DENTAL; Dosage form: PASTE; Potency: 0.08 %w/wSource →
- Route: DENTAL; Dosage form: PASTE, DENTIFRICE; Potency: 0.5 %w/wSource →
- Route: INTRAMUSCULAR; Dosage form: INJECTION; Maximum daily exposure: 864 mgSource →
- Route: INTRAMUSCULAR; Dosage form: INJECTION, SOLUTION; Potency: 4.8 %w/vSource →
- Route: INTRAVENOUS; Dosage form: INJECTION; Maximum daily exposure: 864 mgSource →
- Route: INTRAVENOUS; Dosage form: INJECTION, EMULSION; Potency: 0.1 %w/vSource →
- Route: ORAL; Dosage form: CAPSULE; Potency: 8.5 mgSource →
- Route: ORAL; Dosage form: CONCENTRATE; Maximum daily exposure: 20 mgSource →
- Route: ORAL; Dosage form: ELIXIR; Potency: 5.02 mg/5mlSource →
- Route: ORAL; Dosage form: GRANULE; Potency: NASource →
- Route: ORAL; Dosage form: GRANULE, EFFERVESCENT; Potency: 60 mgSource →
- Route: ORAL; Dosage form: GRANULE, FOR SUSPENSION; Maximum daily exposure: 120 mgSource →
- Route: ORAL; Dosage form: LIQUID; Maximum daily exposure: 61 mgSource →
- Route: ORAL; Dosage form: PASTE; Maximum daily exposure: 28 mgSource →
- Route: ORAL; Dosage form: POWDER, FOR SOLUTION; Maximum daily exposure: 98 mgSource →
- Route: ORAL; Dosage form: POWDER, FOR SUSPENSION; Maximum daily exposure: 160 mgSource →
- Route: ORAL; Dosage form: SOLUTION; Maximum daily exposure: 660 mgSource →
- Route: ORAL; Dosage form: SUSPENSION; Maximum daily exposure: 320 mgSource →
- Route: ORAL; Dosage form: SUSPENSION, EXTENDED RELEASE; Maximum daily exposure: 24 mgSource →
- Route: ORAL; Dosage form: SUSPENSION/ DROPS; Maximum daily exposure: 23 mgSource →
- Route: ORAL; Dosage form: SYRUP; Maximum daily exposure: 80 mgSource →
- Route: ORAL; Dosage form: TABLET; Potency: 30 mgSource →
- Route: ORAL; Dosage form: TABLET, COATED; Potency: 0.2 mgSource →
- Route: ORAL; Dosage form: TABLET, DELAYED RELEASE; Potency: 0.34 mgSource →
- Route: ORAL; Dosage form: TABLET, EXTENDED RELEASE; Potency: NASource →
EUEFSAEFSA opinion21 entries
- Safety and efficacy of VevoVitall® (benzoic acid) as feed additive for minor porcine species (EFSA FEEDAP)Source →
- Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of benzoic acid (E 210), sodium benzoate (E 211), potassium benzoate (E 212) and calcium benzoate (E 213) as food additives (EFSA ANS)Source →
- Safety and efficacy of benzoic acid as a feed additive for pigs for fattening when used as acidity regulator and all animal species when used as flavouring (EFSA FEEDAP)Source →
- Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of VevoVitall (benzoic acid) as a feed additive for pigs for reproduction (gestating and lactating sows, boars and gilts) (EFSA FEEDAP)Source →
- Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of VevoVitall (benzoic acid) as feed additive for pigs for reproduction (EFSA FEEDAP)Source →
- Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of benzyl alcohols, aldehydes, acids, esters and acetals (chemical group 23) when used as flavourings for all animal species (EFSA FEEDAP)Source →
- Safety and efficacy of VevoVitall (benzoic acid) as feed additive for pigs for fattening (EFSA FEEDAP)Source →
- Safety and efficacy of benzoic acid for pigs and poultry (EFSA FEEDAP)Source →
- Assessment of the application for renewal of authorisation of VevoVitall (benzoic acid) as feed additive for weaned piglets and pigs for fattening (EFSA FEEDAP)Source →
- Assessment of the feed additive consisting of sodium benzoate (Protural) for weaned piglets for the renewal of its authorisation and the extension of use to other growing Suidae (Taminco Finland Oy) (EFSA FEEDAP)Source →
- Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of sodium benzoate as a silage additive for pigs, poultry, bovines, ovines, goats, rabbits and horses (EFSA FEEDAP)Source →
- Scientific Opinion on the modification of the terms of authorisation of Protural (sodium benzoate) as a feed additive for weaned piglets (EFSA FEEDAP)Source →
- Scientific Opinion on safety and efficacy of CRINA Poultry Plus (preparation of benzoic acid and essential oil compounds) as feed additive for chickens for fattening (EFSA FEEDAP)Source →
- Scientific Opinion on modification of the terms of authorisation of VevoVitall (Benzoic acid) as a feed additive for weaned piglets (EFSA FEEDAP)Source →
- Scientific Opinion on Safety and efficacy of Protural (sodium benzoate) as feed additive for weaned piglets (EFSA FEEDAP)Source →
- Flavouring Group Evaluation 54, Revision 1 (FGE.54Rev1): Consideration of benzyl derivatives evaluated by JECFA (57th meeting) structurally related to benzyl alcohols, benzaldehydes, a related acetal, benzoic acids and related esters evaluated by EFSA in FGE.20Rev1 (2009) (EFSA CEF)Source →
- 22nd list of substances for food contact materials - Scientific Opinion of the Panel on food contact materials, enzymes, flavourings and processing aids (CEF) (EFSA CEF)Source →
- Flavouring Group Evaluation 54 (FGE.54): Consideration of benzyl derivatives evaluated by JECFA (57th meeting) structurally related to benzyl alcohols, benzaldehydes, a related acetal, benzoic acids and related esters evaluated by EFSA in FGE.20 (2005). Scientific Opinion of the Panel on Food Additives, Flavourings, Processing Aids and Materials in Contact with Food (EFSA AFC)Source →
- Opinion of the Scientific Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed on the safety and efficacy of VevoVitall (benzoic acid) as feed additive for pigs for fattening (EFSA FEEDAP)Source →
- Opinion of the Scientific Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed on the safety and efficacy of Kofa Grain -pH 5- (a mixture of sodium benzoate, propionic acid and sodium propionate) as a feed additive for cattle for fattening (EFSA FEEDAP)Source →
- Opinion of the Scientific Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed on the safety and efficacy of the product VevoVitall as a feed additive for weaned piglets in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 (EFSA FEEDAP)Source →
EUCosIngActive3 entries
- Sodium Benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid that conforms to the formula: Restriction: V/1Source →
- Benzoic Acid is an aromatic acid that conforms to the formula: Restriction: V/1Source →
- Cosmetics Regulation annex V / ref 1.Source →
EUECallowed_listedAnnex V of EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009: preservatives allowed in cosmetic products. Product types: a) Rinse-off products, except oral care products b) Oral care products c) Leave-on products Maximum concentration: a) 2.5% (acid) b) 1.7% (acid) c) 0.5% (acid)
- Annex V of EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009: preservatives allowed in cosmetic products. Product types: a) Rinse-off products, except oral care products b) Oral care products c) Leave-on products Maximum concentration: a) 2.5% (acid) b) 1.7% (acid) c) 0.5% (acid)Source →
EUEFSAConclusion on Pesticides Peer ReviewPeer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance benzoic acid (EFSA)
- Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance benzoic acid (EFSA)Source →
GLOBALJECFA0-5 mg/kg bwJECFA evaluation lists ADI 0-5 mg/kg bw. Functional class: preservative.
- JECFA evaluation lists ADI 0-5 mg/kg bw. Functional class: preservative.Source →
GLOBALJECFA0-5 mg/kg bw (1996)JECFA evaluation lists ADI 0-5 mg/kg bw (1996). Functional class: preservative.
- JECFA evaluation lists ADI 0-5 mg/kg bw (1996). Functional class: preservative.Source →
USEPAcommercial use observedEPA CPDat observed this chemical in 8863 composition records across product categories including Home maintenance, Laboratory supplies, Industrial products. EPA CPDat classifies this chemical for functional uses including Preservative, Corrosion inhibitor, Biocide.
- EPA CPDat observed this chemical in 8863 composition records across product categories including Home maintenance, Laboratory supplies, Industrial products. EPA CPDat classifies this chemical for functional uses including Preservative, Corrosion inhibitor, Biocide.Source →
USFDAlisted in openFDA substanceopenFDA substance registry classifies this ingredient as chemical.
- openFDA substance registry classifies this ingredient as chemical.Source →
USFDAmarketed drug occurrenceFDA NDC lists this ingredient in 13 active drug products and 17 total products.
- FDA NDC lists this ingredient in 13 active drug products and 17 total products.Source →

Expert safety opinions

Independent scientific assessments cited by the records we hold, with the year and link where the record gives one.

SCCS
EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety
No SCCS opinion on file.
CIR
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (US expert panel)
No CIR safety assessment on file.
EFSA
European Food Safety Authority
- Safety and efficacy of VevoVitall® (benzoic acid) as feed additive for minor porcine species (EFSA FEEDAP)
  2017 · EU EFSA listing · Read the source →
- Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance benzoic acid (EFSA)
  2016 · EU EFSA listing · Read the source →
- Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of benzoic acid (E 210), sodium benzoate (E 211), potassium benzoate (E 212) and calcium benzoate (E 213) as food additives (EFSA ANS)
  2016 · EU EFSA listing · Read the source →
- Safety and efficacy of benzoic acid as a feed additive for pigs for fattening when used as acidity regulator and all animal species when used as flavouring (EFSA FEEDAP)
  2016 · EU EFSA listing · Read the source →
- Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of VevoVitall (benzoic acid) as a feed additive for pigs for reproduction (gestating and lactating sows, boars and gilts) (EFSA FEEDAP)
  2015 · EU EFSA listing · Read the source →
- Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of VevoVitall (benzoic acid) as feed additive for pigs for reproduction (EFSA FEEDAP)
  2012 · EU EFSA listing · Read the source →
- Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of benzyl alcohols, aldehydes, acids, esters and acetals (chemical group 23) when used as flavourings for all animal species (EFSA FEEDAP)
  2012 · EU EFSA listing · Read the source →
- Safety and efficacy of VevoVitall (benzoic acid) as feed additive for pigs for fattening (EFSA FEEDAP)
  2019 · EU EFSA listing · Read the source →
- Safety and efficacy of benzoic acid for pigs and poultry (EFSA FEEDAP)
  2018 · EU EFSA listing · Read the source →
- Assessment of the application for renewal of authorisation of VevoVitall (benzoic acid) as feed additive for weaned piglets and pigs for fattening (EFSA FEEDAP)
  2017 · EU EFSA listing · Read the source →
- Assessment of the feed additive consisting of sodium benzoate (Protural) for weaned piglets for the renewal of its authorisation and the extension of use to other growing Suidae (Taminco Finland Oy) (EFSA FEEDAP)
  2021 · EU EFSA listing · Read the source →
- Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of sodium benzoate as a silage additive for pigs, poultry, bovines, ovines, goats, rabbits and horses (EFSA FEEDAP)
  2012 · EU EFSA listing · Read the source →
- Scientific Opinion on the modification of the terms of authorisation of Protural (sodium benzoate) as a feed additive for weaned piglets (EFSA FEEDAP)
  2011 · EU EFSA listing · Read the source →
- Scientific Opinion on safety and efficacy of CRINA Poultry Plus (preparation of benzoic acid and essential oil compounds) as feed additive for chickens for fattening (EFSA FEEDAP)
  2012 · EU EFSA listing · Read the source →
- Scientific Opinion on modification of the terms of authorisation of VevoVitall (Benzoic acid) as a feed additive for weaned piglets (EFSA FEEDAP)
  2011 · EU EFSA listing · Read the source →
- Scientific Opinion on Safety and efficacy of Protural (sodium benzoate) as feed additive for weaned piglets (EFSA FEEDAP)
  2011 · EU EFSA listing · Read the source →
- Flavouring Group Evaluation 54, Revision 1 (FGE.54Rev1): Consideration of benzyl derivatives evaluated by JECFA (57th meeting) structurally related to benzyl alcohols, benzaldehydes, a related acetal, benzoic acids and related esters evaluated by EFSA in FGE.20Rev1 (2009) (EFSA CEF)
  2009 · EU EFSA listing · Read the source →
- 22nd list of substances for food contact materials - Scientific Opinion of the Panel on food contact materials, enzymes, flavourings and processing aids (CEF) (EFSA CEF)
  2009 · EU EFSA listing · Read the source →
- Flavouring Group Evaluation 54 (FGE.54): Consideration of benzyl derivatives evaluated by JECFA (57th meeting) structurally related to benzyl alcohols, benzaldehydes, a related acetal, benzoic acids and related esters evaluated by EFSA in FGE.20 (2005). Scientific Opinion of the Panel on Food Additives, Flavourings, Processing Aids and Materials in Contact with Food (EFSA AFC)
  2008 · EU EFSA listing · Read the source →
- Opinion of the Scientific Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed on the safety and efficacy of VevoVitall (benzoic acid) as feed additive for pigs for fattening (EFSA FEEDAP)
  2007 · EU EFSA listing · Read the source →
- Opinion of the Scientific Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed on the safety and efficacy of Kofa Grain -pH 5- (a mixture of sodium benzoate, propionic acid and sodium propionate) as a feed additive for cattle for fattening (EFSA FEEDAP)
  2006 · EU EFSA listing · Read the source →
- Opinion of the Scientific Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed on the safety and efficacy of the product VevoVitall as a feed additive for weaned piglets in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 (EFSA FEEDAP)
  2005 · EU EFSA listing · Read the source →
JECFA
Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives
- JECFA evaluation lists ADI 0-5 mg/kg bw. Functional class: preservative.
  Year not recorded · GLOBAL JECFA listing · Read the source →
- JECFA evaluation lists ADI 0-5 mg/kg bw (1996). Functional class: preservative.
  Year not recorded · GLOBAL JECFA listing · Read the source →

Evidence & sources

No graded research studies for Sodium benzoate yet. This record is compiled from the published data sources below — registries and regulatory listings, not study findings.

11 data sources

Where this comes from

CosIng
regulatory · updated 2026-09-23
Open →
EU CosIng Cosmetics Regulation Annexes
regulatory · updated 2010-10-25
Open →
EFSA OpenFoodTox
regulatory · updated 2026-10-04
Open →
EPA Chemical and Products Database
exposure · updated september 6, 2017
Open →
EPA DSSTox Identifiers
chemistry · updated 2025-12-29
Open →
FDA Inactive Ingredient Database
regulatory · updated 2026-01-09
Open →
FDA National Drug Code Directory
regulatory · updated 2029-06-12
Open →
FDA GSRS UNII
registry · updated 2026-02-26
Open →
WHO JECFA Database
regulatory · updated 2026-10-04
Open →
openFDA Substance
registry · updated 2026-05-24
Open →
PubChem Live Enrichment
chemistry · updated 2026-05-17
Open →

Reference links (1)

Openfda substance

codexalimentarius.net

Read →

Suitability

Context-specific fit derived from published classifications and the current ingredient evidence profile.

Food use

Food-use source coverage is present in the current record.

Good fit

The ingredient appears in food-oriented source coverage or allowed-use references, which makes food use easier to support than a context with no domain signal at all.

Fragrance avoidance

Not a strong fit for fragrance avoidance because it carries Fragrance.

Avoid

The ingredient itself is a fragrance-linked signal, so it is better treated as an avoid case when fragrance exposure is the main concern.

Where it has been recorded

How often EPA CPDat has listed Sodium benzoate in a product composition. These are source records, not Greenveil catalog products.

Source records

8,863

Named organisations

Home maintenanceLaboratory suppliesIndustrial productsFood and drugSpecialty occupational productsConstruction and building materials

Typical roles

PreservativeAnticorrosivepH adjustersFragrancepH adjusterStabiliser

See products using Sodium benzoate →

Catalog

Found in these products

Their ingredient lists include Sodium benzoate; each product's own rating depends on its whole formula, so it is shown on the product page, not here.

See all 1000+ →Find products without it →

Co-occurrence

Often appears with

Ingredients that frequently appear alongside Sodium benzoate in the catalog.