Benzoate Sodium

Excellent preservative for sensitive-skin products with very low sensitization rates. Active as benzoic acid below pH 5.5 with anti-yeast and anti-bacterial spectrum. Sodium benzoate + potassium sorbate combination at pH <5.5 provides validated low-sensitization alternative to phenoxyethanol-based systems. Compatible with sensitive-skin formulations (pH 5.0–5.5). EU Annex V listed at ≤0.5% as benzoic acid equivalent.

Permitted; GRAS for food use. No US-specific cosmetic concentration cap. Very low sensitization rate — suitable for sensitive-skin and baby formulations. pH-dependent: active as undissociated benzoic acid below pH 5.5. Potassium sorbate + sodium benzoate combination system preferred for clean/organic acid preservation.