Calcium benzoate

Calcium benzoate (CAS 2090-05-3), also recognized by its food additive designation E213, is the calcium salt of benzoic acid used as a preservative.

Where is Calcium benzoate used?

• Food and beverage: preservative in margarines, low-sugar jams and certain beverages, a cost-effective alternative to sodium benzoate where sodium reduction is a priority
• Pharmaceuticals: preservative in oral liquid formulations, syrups and topical preparations
• Personal care: preservative in rinse-off and leave-on products such as shampoos and lotions
• It also functions as a tablet coating agent and excipient in solid dosage forms.

Good to know: It inhibits microbial growth, particularly yeasts, moulds and bacteria, extending shelf life in acidic formulations where preservative activity is most effective.

Commercial specifications

• Food-grade material compliant with FCC and E213 purity specifications