Ingredient glossary
Sodium Benzoate
On your shelf ✓What Sodium Benzoate does for your skin, who it suits, and what to watch for.
INCI: Sodium Benzoate
In short: Sodium Benzoate delivers preservation, suits most skin types, and the evidence behind it is strong. One thing to know: needs the right pH to work.
- What it does
- Preservation
- Best for
- Most skin types
- Watch out
- Needs the right pH to work
- Evidence
- Strong
The molecule
The Glow take
Quiet, essential, and nothing to fear.
Sodium Benzoate keeps a product safe to use from the first pump to the last, at tiny amounts. Not something you pay a premium for.
— Maya
What it does
- preservation
strong evidenceIndustry and regulatory reviews support sodium benzoate as a safe, broad-use preservative at cosmetic levels, especially when combined with potassium sorbate.
On a label: usually effective at 0.2-1%.
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Tends to suit
- all
Approach with care
- very sensitive individuals
- Clogs poresLow
- Irritation riskLow
- pH-dependentIts effect depends on the product's pH
How it fits each skin type
- DrySuits
- CombinationSuits
- OilySuits
- SensitiveSuits
Take extra care if any of these apply to you: very sensitive.
Where it fits in your routine
Plays well with
- potassium sorbate
- organic acids
Sodium Benzoate, answered
Is Sodium Benzoate safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Sodium Benzoate is considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As with anything, if you are unsure it is worth a quick word with your doctor or midwife.
Who should avoid Sodium Benzoate?
Approach Sodium Benzoate with care if any of these apply to you: very sensitive.
What concentration of Sodium Benzoate actually works?
Sodium Benzoate tends to do its job in the 0.2 to 1% range. Much lower and it is likely underdosed.
Can you mix Sodium Benzoate with
This, for every label you own
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