Sodium benzoate

Sodium benzoate

INCI SODIUM BENZOATEEC number 208-534-8Role Perfuming

Sodium benzoate is a preservative obtained by chemical synthesis. It acts as a preservative in cosmetic formulations and also contributes to the fragrance function.

PerfumingPreservativeRestricted use
EU nomenclature

Food additive

E211Preservative

E number assigned in the European nomenclature of food additives (Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008).

Ingredient

Roles & functions

Perfuming — Adds a scent to the product or masks the odour of raw materials.

Preservative — Limits the growth of micro-organisms to preserve the product.

Safety

Safety limit not to exceed

PopulationLimit / dayType of referenceSource
Adult · general population5 mg/kg bw/dayAcceptable Daily Intake (ADI)EFSA OpenFoodTox 3.0 (ADI)

Official reference limit, for information only, this is not personalised advice. Ask a pharmacist about your situation.

Last verified :

Regulatory framework

What the authorities say

AuthorityStatus
Commission européenne (CosIng, Règl. 1223/2009)Autorisé sous conditions
CLP classification (Reg. 1272/2008)No CMR classification
ECHA — endocrine disruptor (human health)Not identified as an endocrine disruptor
ECHA — Candidate List (SVHC, REACH Art. 59)Not on the Candidate List (SVHC)
European Commission (Reg. 1223/2009, Annex III)No cosmetic allergen subject to mandatory labelling
European Commission (EU catalogue of nanomaterials, Reg. 1223/2009)No referenced nanoform
European Commission — Annex V (Reg. 1223/2009) — maj Fri, 07 Aug 2026 16:37:23 GMTAuthorised preservative (Annex V) — max a) 2.5% (acid) b) 1.7% (acid) c) 0.5% (acid) in a) Rinse-off products, except oral care products b) Oral care products c) Leave-on products
Products

Products containing it

Statistics

In Lou’s database

1193
products listed
Most frequent categoriesShower gels & soaps · Cleansers & makeup removers · Anti-aging · Hydration · Intimate wash
Most frequent brandsCavaillès · Mkl Green Nature · Lazartigue · Phyto · Melvita
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This information is reported factually and with attribution (authorities and publications cited). It does not constitute medical advice, for your situation, ask a pharmacist or a healthcare professional for advice.

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