Sodium Benzoate (Powder)

Description

Sodium Benzoate is a preservative commonly used in cosmetic and personal care products. It is not a broad-spectrum preservative.

Type: Cosmetic Grade

INCI Name: Sodium Benzoate.

Ingredient Function: Preservative (ideal for water-based formulations).

Derived From Benzoic Acid (Benzoic Acid is naturally found in fruits such as apples, plums and cranberries ).

Appearance: White crystalline powder or granules.

Smell: Odourless.

Solubility: Sodium Benzoate is water-soluble; insoluble in oils and poorly soluble in alcohol.

Applications: Sodium Benzoate is used as a preservative in various cosmetic and personal care products, including skincare and hair care products.

Below are some types of products that have Sodium Benzoate as part of their Ingredient list;

• Skincare: creams, lotions, serums, toners
• Hair Care: shampoos and conditioners, hair masks
• Body Care: shower gels, body washes, body scrubs, baby wipes.

Shelf Life: 2 Years when properly stored.

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture and direct sunlight.

Sodium Benzoate Benefits and Uses

Sodium Benzoate is a salt of Benzoic Acid, that is commonly used as a preservative. Benefits of this Ingredient include:

• Extends Shelf Life: Sodium Benzoate helps extend the shelf life of products due to its preservative properties.

• Effective Preservation: Sodium Benzoate protects cosmetic products from yeast, mold, and some bacteria (but not all bacteria).

• Sodium Benzoate is commonly used in combination with Potassium Sorbate to provide a more broad spectrum preservation and better protection against a wider range of microorganisms.

• Broad Compatibility: Sodium Benzoate works well with other preservatives (e.g., potassium sorbate) for synergistic effects.

• Eco-Friendly: Sodium Benzoate is approved for use in natural and clean beauty formulations.

• Stable & Safe: Sodium Benzoate is ideal for water-based formulations in both personal and commercial products.

 

Important Notes About Sodium Benzoate

Sodium benzoate is a preservative which can be used in leave-on as well as in rinse-off products.

It is important to note that Sodium Benzoate is not a broad-spectrum preservative, and so must be used alongside another preservative (usually, Potassium Sorbate) in order to fully preserve the final product against molds and yeast.

Formulation Guidelines (Sodium Benzoate)

Usage Rate: 0.3% – 1.0%

Phase: Add Sodium Benzoate to the water phase during your formulation.

Temperature: Sodium Benzoate is best incorporated at temperatures below 60°C, in order ro to maintain efficacy.

pH Range: Sodium Benzoate is effective in formulations within a pH of 3.0 to 5 (most active at pH 3.0). *Sodium Benzoate is inactive above pH 5.

*Sodium Benzoate is pH-sensitive.

Compatibility: Sodium Benzoate is often paired with other preservatives like potassium sorbate for enhanced protection.

Not Compatible with: Avoid adding Ascorbic Acid and Citric Acid in formulations containing Sodium Benzoate.

Sodium Benzoate is not a broad spectrum preservative for cosmetic use and should be combined with other preservatives.

If Sodium Benzoate is used as a preservative, the pH of the finished product may need to be lowered enough to release the free acid for useful activity.

NOTEWORTHY: It is recommended that all cosmetic products undergo microbial testing to ensure the efficacy of any preservative system.

How to Formulate With Sodium Benzoate

1. Dissolve Sodium Benzoate in the water phase of your formulation.

2. Ensure the pH of your product is between 3.0 and 5.5 to maximize the effectiveness of Sodium Benzoate.

3. Optional: it is recommended to combine Sodium Benzoate with other preservatives for a more robust preservation system.