Sodium benzoate

Sodium benzoate (CAS 532-32-1), also known as E211, is the sodium salt of benzoic acid used as a broad-spectrum preservative in food, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries.

Where is Sodium benzoate used?

• Food and beverage: shelf-life extension in carbonated drinks, fruit juices, condiments, and pickled products
• Pharmaceuticals: preservative in oral liquids and syrups
• Topical preparations requiring low-pH stability
• Personal care: preservative in shampoos, lotions, and wet wipes
• Industrial process fluids: pH buffer and corrosion inhibitor
• It inhibits microbial growth in acidic environments.
• Can be combined with other preservatives such as sodium nitrite (E250) or potassium sorbate (E202) for a synergistic antimicrobial effect, allowing a lower dose.
• Used in medications as an anti-fermentation additive and as a tableting lubricant for drugs.
• Can also be added to natural cosmetics.

Formulation notes

• In Türkiye, allowed at a maximum of 0.1% in food applications.
• In rinse-off cosmetic products, reaches a concentration of 2.5%.
• All oral care products can contain 1.7% sodium benzoate.
• Should not be mixed with vitamin C, as this combination produces benzene, a toxic compound.

Typical specification

• Available in a fine powder form.

Regulatory status

• Listed under HS code 2916.31.00.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Slightly hygroscopic.
• Commonly packed in 25 kg bags.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.