7.0
ISS Score
C — Moderate caution — review exposure context
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
Preservative · Antimicrobial agent
Sodium Benzoate
Molecular Formula
C7H5NaO2
Category
Preservative
Bottom Line: Sodium Benzoate is generally recognized as safe when used appropriately, though individual reactions may vary.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- Used within recommended concentrations
- In formulations designed for skin contact
- In food products within regulatory limits
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- You have sensitivities to preservatives
- Using in high concentrations
- Formulated with other active ingredients
✕ Avoid If:
- You are allergic to benzoates
- Using in products for infants
- You have a known sensitivity to preservatives
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C7H5NaO2 |
| Solubility | Soluble in water |
Common Use Cases
1 Categories
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Dermal exposure to Sodium Benzoate is generally considered low risk, though some individuals may experience irritation.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Low
Oral ingestion of Sodium Benzoate in food products is typically safe within established limits.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Insufficient Data
Inhalation data for Sodium Benzoate is limited, and specific risks are not well characterized.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Insufficient Data
Ocular exposure data is limited, and caution is advised to avoid contact with eyes.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- Pregnant Individuals — Limited data on safety during pregnancy.
- Infants and Children — Safety data is limited, and caution is advised.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- General Adult Population — Generally well tolerated with low risk of adverse reactions.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| General Adult Population | Low | Generally well tolerated in adults, though individual sensitivities may occur. |
| Pregnant Individuals | Insufficient Data | Limited data on the safety of Sodium Benzoate during pregnancy. |
| Infants and Children | Insufficient Data | Safety data for infants and children is limited, and caution is advised. |
Toxicology Data
0 Endpoints
Sodium Benzoate is widely used and generally recognized as safe, though specific population data is limited.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|
Data Quality: All toxicology values are sourced from verified regulatory assessments (CIR, SCCS, ECHA REACH) following OECD test guidelines. Values are used to calculate the Ingredient Safety Score (ISS).
Scientific Evidence
Key Assessments
Sodium Benzoate is widely used and generally recognized as safe, though specific population data is limited.
- Commonly used in food and cosmetics
- Effective preservative
- Limited data on long-term effects
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
Pending formal assessment
Report: No formal safety assessment identified
Year: 2026
Conclusion: This ingredient has not been formally assessed by major regulatory or scientific bodies based on available records.
Regulatory Status
Global
Regulatory restrictions apply in some jurisdictions. Max 2.5% (as acid) in rinse-off; 0.5% in oral products Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
European Union
European CommissionPERMITTED AS PRESERVATIVE - ANNEX V ENTRY 1
Max 2.5% (as acid) in rinse-off; 0.5% in oral products
United States
FDAGRAS FOR FOOD; PERMITTED IN COSMETICS
Frequently Asked Questions
Sodium Benzoate is primarily used as a preservative in food and cosmetic products to help prevent microbial growth.
Sodium Benzoate is generally recognized as safe when used within recommended limits, though individual sensitivities may occur.
While rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to Sodium Benzoate. It is advisable to monitor for any adverse effects.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-10-01 | — |
⚠ Important Notice: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, professional, or regulatory advice. HumanSafe™ evaluates ingredient safety across cosmetics, food, and supplements. Scores are exposure-route and context-specific. Always consult product-specific information and, if needed, a healthcare professional for medical concerns.