Essentially Natural Sodium Benzoate

• INCI Name: Sodium Benzoate
• Ingredient Type: Preservative
• Form: Crystalline powder
• Solubility: Water soluble
• Typical Usage Rate: 0.5-3%, subject to the intended application and local regulations
• Best Efficacy pH: Around pH 3
• Halal Certified
• Kosher Certified
• Vegan Friendly
• GMO-Free
• Suitable For: Acidic Water-Based Cosmetic Formulations
• Food Safety Note: Food safe, not confirmed as food grade certified
• Storage: Store tightly sealed away from moisture, heat and direct sunlight

• Preservation support in water-based cosmetics
• Acidic toners, gels, lotions and cleansers
• Combined preservative systems
• Water-phase preservation in emulsions
• Surfactant-based rinse-off formulations
• Products where the final pH can be accurately measured and controlled

This Product Is For:

• Formulators making water-containing products that require preservation
• Makers who can accurately measure and adjust pH
• Combined preservative systems using compatible ingredients
• Acidic cosmetic formulations

This Product Is Not For:

• Anhydrous products with no water phase
• High-pH formulations
• Use as a guaranteed broad-spectrum preservative on its own
• Makers unable to test final product pH
• Formulas that will not undergo appropriate stability and preservation testing

• As a Water-Phase Preservative: Dissolve thoroughly in the water phase before combining with the remaining ingredients.
• As a Combined System: Use with compatible preservatives such as potassium sorbate where suitable for the formulation.
• As a pH-Dependent Preservative: Measure and adjust the final product pH to the range required by the complete preservation system.
• Processing Tip: Confirm that the powder has dissolved fully before completing the formulation.
• Testing Tip: Conduct stability and microbial challenge testing on products intended for sale.

• For cosmetic formulation use only unless the intended alternative application is properly assessed
• Avoid inhaling airborne powder
• Avoid contact with eyes
• Wear suitable eye protection when handling larger quantities
• Do not exceed applicable regulatory limits
• Keep tightly sealed and dry
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Test the preservation system in the finished formulation before use or sale

Q: Can Sodium Benzoate be used on its own?
A: It can provide preservation support, but it is not usually considered broad-spectrum by itself and is commonly combined with other compatible preservatives.

Q: Why is pH important when using Sodium Benzoate?
A: Its preservative activity depends strongly on acidity. It becomes less effective as the formulation pH increases.

Q: Does Sodium Benzoate dissolve in oil?
A: No. It should be dissolved in the water phase of a formulation.

Q: Can it be added to an existing unpreserved product?
A: Simply adding it to a finished product does not guarantee adequate preservation. The pH, concentration, compatibility and full preservative system must be assessed.

Q: Is preservation testing still necessary?
A: Yes. The completed formula should be tested because preservative performance depends on the entire product composition and manufacturing process.