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Sodium Benzoate
What is it?
A widely used cosmetic and food preservative that inhibits microbial growth, extending product shelf life.
What does it do?
According to PubMed, a study testing sodium benzoate against bacterial biofilms (alongside methylisothiazolinone and phenoxyethanol, two other common cosmetic preservatives) found measurable antimicrobial/antibiofilm activity, though less potent than methylisothiazolinone -- real antimicrobial-efficacy evidence for its established preservative role, corroborated by a separate review discussing sodium benzoate among the standard alternatives to parabens in cosmetic formulation.
Sources
This page provides general skincare information and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Ingredient interactions and evidence summaries reflect published, cited sources — not a personal assessment of your skin. For medical skin conditions, rashes, pregnancy/lactation questions or persistent concerns, please consult a licensed dermatologist or HPCSA-registered practitioner.