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Sodium benzoate is a preservative for use in cosmetics. It protects the product against spoilage by certain micro-organisms.

Use

Sodium benzoate is dissolved in water or aqueous components. It is only effective at a sufficiently low pH, a maximum of 5.5, but preferably a lot lower. For example, to achieve the desired low pH (3-4 if possible), lactic acid or citric acid can be used.

It is not volatile and does not protect against all microorganisms. In most cases it will therefore be necessary to use other preservatives.

Do NOT use sodium benzoate in combination with ascorbic acid, combining it can cause cancer-causing benzene.

In leave-on products such as creams it is rarely a suitable preservative, in that case use a maximum of 0.5%. Up to 2.5% can be used in shampoo, shower gel and the like, this also depends on the pH, if it is very low it is better to use less sodium benzoate. The percentages mentioned are the legal maximums for the free acid, so in theory a little more can often be used.

De Hekserij does not sell products intended for use in foodstuffs or for other internal use. This product is NOT an exception.

Dry, so DO NOT refrigerate. Store in a cool, dark place in a well-closed container. Keep out of reach of children.

Properties

Sodium benzoate is a white powder with a slight odor of its own. It is the sodium salt of benzoic acid, and dissolves much better in water than benzoic acid.

A limited number of people are hypersensitive to sodium benzoate. As a rule, these people are also hypersensitive to tincture of benzoin, benzoic acid and parabens.

Sodium benzoate is especially active against most molds and yeasts, but some bacteria are also not good against it. It is of little use against lactic acid bacteria and pseudomonads.

Sodium benzoate is also used as a preservative in technical products that are sufficiently acidic, such as, for example, to preserve certain types of ink. There are also pyrotechnic applications.

Sustainability

Sodium benzoate is made from toluene made from petroleum or coal and lye, which is a by-product of the chlorine industry. Although it is made synthetically in an unsustainable way, it is often seen as a natural substance. For example, it may be used in cosmetics that are natural according to the cosmos standard. This particular view is probably due to the fact that sodium benzoate occurs naturally in certain plants. Fortunately, it is easily biodegradable in the environment.

Packaging

We pack it in white plastic (PP) jars with lids.

Dangers

Sodium benzoate is classified as a dangerous substance, with the following characteristics:

WARNING
H319 - Causes serious eye irritation.

Codes

Item number: 10303
English name: Sodium Benzoate
EC number: 208-534-8
CAS Number EU: 532-32-1
INCI: SODIUM BENZOATE